Saint James Apartments and Townhomes is a complex adaptive re-use and infill
development that transformed a historic neighborhood school into a vibrant mixed-
income residential community while preserving its architectural and cultural significance.
The project involved the rehabilitation of a two-story elementary school originally
constructed in 1922, with a later addition completed in 1959, along with the construction
of two new townhome buildings. The development reflects a high level of technical rigor,
regulatory coordination, and design sensitivity required for projects of this nature.

The historic school building was adaptively reused to create 36 apartment units
comprised of one- and two-bedroom layouts. As part of the redevelopment, the former
gymnasium was converted into eight loft-style apartments, requiring careful structural
analysis, floor system coordination, and integration of new mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing systems within an existing long-span space. A former multi-purpose room was
converted into a community room, with intentional preservation of the original stage,
proscenium, and projection room to maintain the historic character and collective
memory of the building.

Given the age and historic nature of the structure, the project underwent a Section 106
review, requiring close coordination with preservation consultants, reviewing agencies,
and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The design team
was responsible for documenting existing conditions, evaluating character-defining
features, and developing rehabilitation strategies that balanced preservation
requirements with modern building codes, accessibility standards, and housing program
needs. Restoration of the building’s large historic windows was a key component of the
work, requiring detailed investigation into repair, energy performance upgrades, and
code compliance while retaining original profiles and materials where feasible.

The 1.8-acre site was carefully replanned to accommodate new infill development while
respecting the scale of the existing building and surrounding neighborhood. Two new
townhome structures were constructed on portions of the former large parking lot,
providing a total of 16 townhome units. The remaining site area was reconfigured to
include a smaller, more efficient parking lot. This approach increased residential density,
improved site utilization, and reinforced a more walkable, residential character.

Saint James Apartments and Townhomes was developed under the MSHDA 9% Low-
Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The project also pursued and achieved
LEED Silver certification, incorporating energy-efficient systems, durable materials, and
strategies to improve indoor environmental quality, all while working within the
constraints of an existing historic structure.

The development includes a targeted mix of housing types and affordability levels.
Thirteen units are designated as supportive housing for persons with special needs at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), while the remaining units are targeted for
affordable and workforce households at or below 60% AMI. Integrating supportive
housing within a historic adaptive re-use required careful attention to accessibility, life-
safety systems, and unit functionality without compromising historic features.

Saint James Apartments and Townhomes exemplifies the technical and collaborative
rigor required for successful adaptive re-use projects. The development demanded
detailed existing-building analysis, preservation-sensitive design solutions, structural
and systems integration, and close coordination with regulatory agencies and funding
partners. The completed project preserves a historic community asset, delivers high-
quality and sustainable housing, and demonstrates how thoughtful design and technical
expertise can successfully bridge historic preservation and contemporary affordable
housing needs.