BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — All stages of life, from elementary school to senior living. That's what the future holds for Philip Sheridan Elementary School in the Town of Tonawanda on Elmwood Avenue.
The Elementary school closed down in 1982 and a few businesses have filled some of the classrooms but not a major project... until now.
The school building is about to get a $25 million dollar face-lift and be transformed into a Senior Living Campus.
The campus will include:
- 15 Apartments in the school building
- 10,000 square feet of commercial space for businesses in the school building
- Brand new apartment complex holding 150+ single and double bedroom apartments
- 50+ garage storage building
- Businesses already in the building like Blue Giraffe Day Care and Buffalo Turners Gymnastics will stay in the building
- 350+ person theatre for the community to enjoy, run by a theatre company
"The Town of Tonawanda is an aging population and if you go around to all the apartment complexes that are existing they are all sold out," John Duerr, the project manager for Ken-Ton Elmwood Commons said. There are no vacancies, some even have three-year waiting lists."
Duerr says he is looking to make the school building a historic site. That means the lockers, the iconic phone booth, and other classic amenities will all remain.
"We want it to be a safe an secure spot for our seniors," Duerr added.
Duerr adds he is very excited about the auditorium space in the school and plans on hiring a threatre company to take it over. Not just for the seniors living in the complex but also for the community, Duerr says.
"We want it to be an entertainment venue for the Town of Tonawanda," Duerr said.
Duerr says he already has less than ten tenants signed up for the apartments. People must be over the age of 55 to live there. You can call 716-539-9300 to secure a spot in the new apartments.
