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Investors Turn Abandoned School into 31 Homes
26 Sep
Summary
- Former Pennsylvania high school transformed into 31 apartments.
- Investors spent $3.3 million on renovation, costing $100,000 initially.
- All units leased within six months of becoming available for rent.
An abandoned high school in Homestead, Pennsylvania, has been given a new purpose as a 31-unit apartment building, known as Bowtie High. Three Pennsylvania investors acquired the vacant property for $100,000 in 2019 and invested an additional $3.3 million over 18 months to convert it.
The renovation focused on transforming former classrooms into modern one and two-bedroom apartments. Unique features of the original school, such as high ceilings, large windows, and even chalkboards, were preserved to retain the building's character. The former auditorium was restored as a communal area, and the gymnasium was adapted into a fitness space for residents.
Bowtie High began leasing in 2021, and demand was high, with all 31 units occupied within six months. This adaptive reuse project showcases a strategy of repurposing old buildings for housing. The investors have since undertaken a similar conversion of another abandoned school nearby, demonstrating a growing interest in revitalizing historic structures.
The successful conversion of Bowtie High highlights the appeal of merging historical architecture with modern living. This approach not only breathes new life into disused buildings but also provides unique housing options. The project is a prime example of adaptive reuse, where structures are reimagined for contemporary needs without erasing their past.
