Nelsonville School Commons is an adaptive reuse of the former Nelsonville High School and Junior High School. The project includes a mix of one – and two-bedroom units in a three-story elevator building within the heart of the city's historic district. Funding provided by OHFA enabled the owner to complete a historic rehabilitation of the 1920s-era structure while maintaining some of the unique classroom features throughout the building, including slate blackboard walls, refinished original hardwood floors and the original clock tower-like belfry. In addition to the unique features, the project includes a fitness center, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency HVAC and an ADA-accessible playground. All of the units will be affordable to and occupied by households at or below 60 percent of the AMGI.
The development is located in a very walkable community with a variety of shops, eateries, recreational and community services within one mile of the project. The project received Enterprise Green Communities Certification, local community support and was considered a priority project for the city of Nelsonville.