FREMONT, MI – Construction to convert the former Fremont High School into senior citizen apartments should begin this fall now that one of the final pieces of funding – worth about $7.5 million – has fallen into place.

Home Renewal Systems was awarded federal tax credits totaling $1.3 million per year for 10 years. The credits, awarded recently by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, will be sold to investors to generate an estimated $7.5 million for the $12.3 million project, according to the Farmington Hills-based company.

“The Gateway” senior apartments will include 38 apartment for residents ages 55 and older, most of them reserved for low-income seniors. Rent for the apartments, which will be based on income, will range from the upper $200-per-month range to $372 for studio apartments, from $300 to $580 for one-bedroom apartments and $360 to $717 for two-bedroom units.

Six apartments are expected to be priced at market rates, which developers say will bring more affluent seniors to the area. The former school located at 204 E. Main St. is close to downtown Fremont, the library, community services building and a grocery store.

Construction, expected to begin in late fall, will take about one year, according to Home Renewal Systems officials. Occupancy will be available in late 2014.

The old school was vacated for the start of the 2012-13 school year after completion of a new $39.9 million high school.

Jim Hieftje, superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, said he hopes new residents can move into The Gateway apartments by Christmas 2014, calling the new development a “wonderful present.”

“I’m delighted that a prominent landmark like the old high school can continue to be a viable asset for our community,” said.

Home Renewal Systems will purchase the building from the school district for $25,000. Plans are to restore the inner courtyard by removing the center portion of the building, which includes a cafeteria and commons area that are not original to the school built in the 1920s. The building will be restored to its original historic character, including bringing windows, which are in groups of three, back to their original 4-by-8-foot size.

The old school’s pool is being turned into a community recreation facility, which will “bolster The Gateway’s attractiveness to clients seeking to lease our housing units,” said Home Renewal Systems Vice President Shannon Morgan.

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