Three historic schools have been reimagined as affordable housing in Michigan.

Woda Cooper Cos. recently held grand openings at the properties, which have become apartment homes for 97 families. The affordable housing developer combined low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs) and historic credits to finance each project.

Hooker DeJong was the architect, with historic consultation from PCI Design Group. Woda Construction was the general contractor, and Woda Management & Real Estate will operate each community.

The 1919 Portland School has been adapted into the Portland School Apartments to provide 29 homes. It's one of three historic schools to be converted into affordable housing by Woda Cooper Cos. in Michigan.
The 1919 Portland School has been adapted into the Portland School Apartments to provide 29 homes. It's one of three historic schools to be converted into affordable housing by Woda Cooper Cos. in Michigan.

Portland School Apartments provides 29 new one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the fully restored 1919 Portland School. The apartments are affordable for seniors and working individuals and families earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI). The school sat empty for many years, and the city of Portland faced a costly demolition before Woda Cooper Cos. saw potential for adapting the building into affordable housing, which was especially needed after a 2015 tornado damaged the town.

Portland School's grand Collegiate Gothic architectural features have been restored, including the brick and stone work, interior wood flooring and terrazzo, and millwork. The $7.42 million development was made possible through housing tax credits allocated by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and historic credits from the National Park Service (NPS). PNC purchased the tax credits and provided the construction, bridge, and permanent loans. The city of Portland contributed an 8% payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT).

Cavalier Greene provides 40 affordable homes in a 1908 school in Corunna, Mich.
Cavalier Greene provides 40 affordable homes in a 1908 school in Corunna, Mich.

Cavalier Greene in Corunna was created through the historic restoration of a classic 1908 school building. There’s a 22,000-square-foot addition that meshes with the original architecture. The total complex offers 40 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments for seniors, workforce families, and singles who earn 30% to 60% of the AMI. MSHDA and NPS allocated tax credits, and CREA was the primary investor in the $7.9 million development, with construction and permanent loans contributed by Citizens Bank. The city of Corunna supported Cavalier Greene with a PILOT, and the Corunna school board accepted a purchase offer that made the saving of the vintage school feasible for development.

At Lincoln House, 28 new affordable apartment homes were adapted within a restored 1915 brick school and large addition in Owosso, Mich.
At Lincoln House, 28 new affordable apartment homes were adapted within a restored 1915 brick school and large addition in Owosso, Mich.

At Lincoln House in Owosso, 28 new affordable apartment homes were adapted within the restored 1915 two-story brick school and large addition. The new facility will serve seniors 55 and older earning between 30% to 60% of the AMI. The one- and two-bedroom apartments have energy-efficient windows and appliances. Amenities include a community room, an elevator, and an indoor parking garage. Financing for the $5.9 million development included tax credit allocations by MSHDA and NPS with investments by CREA, a permanent loan by Bellwether Enterprise, and a construction loan from RiverHills Bank as well as purchase price concession by the Owosso Public Schools. The city supported the development through a PILOT.