2021 LANDMARKS ILLINOIS RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS FOUNDATION PRESERVATION AWARD FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE
The 100-year-old former Paris High School was rehabilitated and converted into low-income senior housing after the City of Paris acquired the former high school, determined to preserve one of its oldest, largest and architecturally significant structures. Thanks to the successful collaboration between the City of Paris and the nonprofit Laborers’ Home Development Corp. (LHDC), Paris High School has been successfully converted into 42 beautiful low-income senior housing units. The project mixed old and new: the building’s exterior has been restored to reflect its 1920s original character and the interior features original school blackboards and lockers as well as needed modern amenities. Project leaders were committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and the resulting housing development is fully ADA compliant and meets all Fair Housing laws. Named after the former high school’s mascot, Tiger Senior Apartments provides much needed affordable senior housing and signals an investment in the city’s history and local landmarks. More than half of the residents at Tiger Senior Apartments are former Paris High School students.
(Photo credit: J L Jordan Photography)