Delayed $16 million senior housing project resumes in East Vandergrift
After a nine-month setback, development plans for a new senior citizen residential complex have resumed in East Vandergrift, Westmoreland County.
The Morning Sun Senior Lofts project was awarded a $1.2 million grant this month from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and $1.3 million in low-income tax credits.
The low-income housing development involves redeveloping the former East Vandergrift Elementary School at 434 McKinley Ave. into 42 one- and two-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors.
“The borough is excited, and our citizens are pleased to have a landmark building preserved and repurposed for quality and affordable senior housing,” East Vandergrift Mayor Barbara Sharp said.
The project is estimated to cost almost $16 million.
The former school, constructed in the 1930s, closed in 1989 and has been unoccupied and condemned for more than a decade.
In 2018, the Westmoreland County Planning Department identified the property as a key transformation target in the Alle-Kiski Valley region.
The Morning Sun Senior Lofts, billed as a loft-style senior-living complex, was denied tax credits from the Pennsylvania Financing Housing Agency in November 2021.
The building, last used as a church, is owned by the Westmoreland County Land Bank.
Homes Build Hope and Pivotal Housing Partners, formerly MVAH, will use $1.2 million from the National Housing Trust Fund to construct the new complex, with amenities to include a fitness center, outdoor seating, a community room with a kitchenette and serving area, mail room, trash facilities, restrooms and laundry facilities.
The school gym at the back of the building will be torn down to make way for rental units.
Sharp lives a block away from the former school and attended kindergarten there during the 1960s.
“It’s amazing. We’re finally repurposing. The citizens are very excited,” Sharp said.
Pivotal specializes in the development of affordable housing.
When completed, the building’s 42 energy-efficient units for seniors 62 and older will include 19 apartments for residents earning at or below 50% of area average income levels.
The average household income in the Vandergrift area is $42,262, according to data provided by the U.S. Census.
To qualify for an apartment, applicants must provide proof of income ranging from 20% to 60% of the area average income.
East Vandergrift has a population of about 600.
On Monday, council members Christopher Zelonka, Jeremy Manners and Karen Virostek joined the mayor and borough secretary Kristen Sarno for a walkabout outside the building.
They pointed out key features of the structure that will remain, such as the sunrise etchings over the entrance and school facade and East Vandergrift Public School signage.
Zelonka, council president, said Monday he is appreciative of all the state and county officials who helped to move the project from concept to reality.
“Without question, this affordable and quality senior housing project will help our seniors meet their individual needs. The Morning Sun Senior Lofts project will be an economic enhancement for the borough and will also create jobs throughout the construction period.”
Trey Barbour, senior vice president of Pivotal, said the complex will employ three full-time employees after completion, including two maintenance technicians and a community manager.
During the construction period, about 150 temporary jobs will be created, Barbour said.
The Westmoreland County Transit Authority will provide bus service along McKinley Avenue.
In a news release issued Thursday from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republican Caucus, state Rep. Jason Silvis touted the project as a “win-win.”
“We currently have a lack of affordable housing for seniors. Through this unique reuse, we’re not only removing an eyesore but also providing options for our older residents looking for places to live. In addition, this project will have a positive economic impact on our community.”
Westmoreland County’s low-income senior living developments are at full capacity, with waiting lists.
Since 1972, the PHFA has provided $16.6 billion in funding to secure more than 189,000 single-family home mortgage loans, construct almost 140,000 rental units and has helped to save more than 50,000 families from foreclosure.
Additionally, more than $239 million has been provided for local housing initiatives.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2023, and Morning Sun is expected to open in the fall of 2024.
Interested senior tenants will not be able to apply until at least 120 days from the occupancy date, borough officials said.
State Rep. Abby Major, R-Ford City, was among numerous legislators who borough officials credited as instrumental in helping to get the project off the ground.
Other legislators included Westmoreland County Commissioners Kean Kertes and Douglas Chew, state Sens. James Brewster and Joseph Pittman and U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler.
“We should always try to repurpose property before building on land that has never been developed,” Major said. “I’m pleased to see the creative use of this school. This project will take an abandoned building and make it like new, thus breathing some fresh life into our community.”
For details about the Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority & Land Bank, visit westmorelandredevelopment.com
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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