Lincoln Place Apartments, Rutland, VT: 2022 Preservation Award
Lincoln Place Apartments, Rutland
Addressing the needs of people experiencing chronic homelessness isn’t simple project: it requires creativity, collaboration, hard work, empathy, and above all vision for an outcome that provides more than just shelter.
The Housing Trust of Rutland County and community partners have worked diligently to make this vision a reality.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic school in Rutland was built in 1951 in the International Style as part of a school enlargement program that paralleled the growth of public schools following World War II. The building and the location made it an excellent site for the Lincoln Place Apartments: 19 residential units with permanent supports available. Of the 19, 10 would be dedicated to those experiencing homelessness.
Laz Scangas, architect of the project, seamlessly incorporated the beautiful mid-century details of an elementary school into his design. Working closely with Preservation Consultant Lyssa Papazian and Neagley and Chase Construction Team, features like the checkerboard floor pattern and the original doors were preserved. The original gymnasium with the small stage is now a seating area an can be converted for a poetry reading or musical performance for the community. The exterior was meticulously restored and now looks just like it did when it was built in 1951, save for the solar panels on the roof that provide efficient and affordable power.
Today, the Homeless Prevention Center is instrumental in providing and continuing necessary support. Rutland Mental Health has a dedicated staff person who is onsite 20 hours per week providing assistance to the residents. Rutland Housing Authority provides subsidies to all units, ensuring no resident pays more than 30% of their income. Collectively this is a strong collaboration.
Along with the housing partners, the housing trust also engaged other project contributors. The AP Art class from Rutland High School has provided art for the hallways – not only showcasing the local talent but giving a nod to the fact that this was a school. The property features two beautifully painted benches by local artists that were part of a fundraiser for the Chaffee Art Center. And a local muralist has painted two murals inside – one of a current Hestia, the Goddess of Hearth and Home.
With the Lincoln Place Apartment project, The Housing Trust of Rutland County has done more than a spectacular historic restoration project; they have built a stronger community of partners to serve those in need, bettering life in Rutland for everyone.
Preservation Award to the Housing Trust of Rutland County, Arnold & Scangas Architects, Neagley & Chase Construction Company, and Lyssa Papazian, Historic Preservation Consultant