Buffalo's Valley District has new neighbors on the block, bringing a vacant Catholic school back to life.

Local officials and residents kicked off the official opening of the McDermott Lofts at a ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon.

The $1.6 million revitalization turned an empty century-old parish into 11 residential lofts and an industrial commercial space.

"They're an interesting part of our fabric. They tell part of our story. I think if you went and talked to all the tenants of the building they like living here because they are a part of the future, they see where they fit in the past and they can be a part of our future,” said Sam Savarino, Savarino Companies CEO.

Each loft apartment costs between $800 and $1,100 to rent out.