Berkshire–Johnsburg
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2021Year Built |
78Total Units |
General Capital purchased the former James Bush Elementary School in the heart of the Village of Johnsburg to develop a new Berkshire-brand independent senior community with 78 apartments. General Capital worked closely with the Village to extend sewer and water to the property, leveraging a tremendous community benefit through a developer-funded TIF. The original school was carefully renovated to include apartments in the former classrooms, community space in the former cafeteria and a community gym, which is open to residents and community groups. The project design required careful coordination between the original Mid-century design of the school and a traditional stick-frame residential style desired by the Village. As a result of several meetings with neighbors and Village stakeholders, the project blends seamlessly into the fabric of the historic Village Center. The site’s design includes walking paths, numerous outdoor amenities and an extensive natural storm water treatment system that includes bio-swales and rain gardens. The grounds are beautiful and enjoyed year-round by residents and neighbors alike.
KEY THEMES
- Adaptive reuse transformed a historic elementary school campus into a distinctive affordable senior housing community for adults age 55+
- Historic preservation retained original architectural features while integrating modern apartment homes and resident amenities
- LEED-certified design incorporates energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and environmentally responsible building practices
- Walkable location provides convenient access to neighborhood services, community organizations, public transportation, and daily conveniences
- Resident-focused community promotes active independent living through wellness, social programming, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces
RESULTS
- Successfully redeveloped a former six-acre elementary school campus into a 68-unit affordable senior housing community
- Preserved the property's historic character by converting former classrooms into residences and repurposing the original gymnasium for community use
- Delivered LEED-certified apartment homes featuring Energy Star® appliances, sustainable finishes, and high-performance building systems
- Created a vibrant independent living environment with resident lounges, wellness programming, computer access, and community gathering spaces
- Expanded housing opportunities for older adults by combining historic character, modern amenities, and a highly walkable neighborhood setting
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