HORNELL, N.Y. -- For years, Hornell's historic Lincoln Elementary School has sat vacant -- until now. Take a step inside and you'll see how it's been transformed into 25 modern apartments for seniors.
"They took most of the classrooms and turned them into apartments," said Upstate Director for Capital Development Leonard Skrill. "It's really cool finding out how many of the residents went to school here and for them it's really a neat experience."
The $9.3 million reuse project was funded by numerous tax credits and the state's Southern Tier Soaring Program. To qualify for the new apartments, seniors must fall within 60 percent of the area's median income. Some residents have already moved in, and they're giving it rave reviews.
"It's beautiful, absolutely lovely. The windows, they absolutely light up the room. It's so spacious and we love the grounds," said resident Nancy Campbell. "I'm just so happy here."
Each energy efficient apartment includes a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. The project incorporated all the doors and chalkboards from the former school. Residents say living in a transformed school has been a unique experience for them and their loved ones.