PARIS, Ill. (WTWO\/WAWV) \u2014 In 1909, Paris High School welcomed its first students. In 2021, the building will welcome its first residents.<\/p>\n
The old Paris High School closed in 2015 when a new school was built. Laborers Home Development Corporation worked with the city and state to create \u201cTiger Senior Apartments\u201d with 42 units.<\/p>\n
Almost all of the studio, one and two bedroom units are different and contain a unique feature from an antique blackboard, to a tin ceiling, to original cabinets. Much of the original architecture was maintained thanks to a grant from the State Historic Preservation Officer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had to leave everything as it was originally,\u201d property manager, Kara Englum, said. \u201cThat\u2019s why you see original hardwood floors, the old characteristics.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Director of Field Operations for Core Construction, rehabilitating a 100-plus-year-old building presented challenges with the need for an elevator and safety features.<\/p>\n