The historic, two-story, 46,000 square foot Russell Elementary School was transformed into the Russell School Community Services Center, a mixed-use occupancy community center, Head Start headquarters and classrooms, and residential senior housing units. The former school dates back to 1954 and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rehabilitation of this building required returning the facade to its original design and meeting all guidelines established by The Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
The first phase of this project included testing, investigation, preliminary design, and extensive abatement for lead base paint, mercury, asbestos, and transformers containing PCB’s. The second phase encompassed the renovation of approximately 10,000 square feet including four Headstart classrooms and community services office space. The third phase of this rehabilitation included the construction of 27 one-bedroom/one-bathroom units for senior citizens which is listed separately as Russell School Apartments.
Funding for this project includes Kentucky Housing Corporation Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, HUD 202 funding and Neighborhood Stabilization Program and Community Development Block Grant Funds.