For the vast majority of people living in Royalton Manor last year, something as simple as cooking a meal was not possible.
That was before $3.5 million was spent to renovate the affordable housing complex for seniors and adults with disabilities.
With the renovation complete ahead of schedule, it's time to celebrate.
Bachand Estates LLP, which last year purchased the 1970s-era facility in Billings Park, is hosting an open house Friday to celebrate completion.
Today, the former 157-unit building -- most without something as simple as a place to make a home-cooked meal -- offers kitchens in 74 of 109 of the newly painted and carpeted units. Onsite meal plans are available for residents who have no kitchen and individual meals are available for those who just want to break away from the stove for a lunch or dinner once in awhile.
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Nine of the one-bedroom apartments are fully accessible -- including a large roll-in-shower, said Paul McIntyre of Bachand Estates.
"We actually started renovations in January. It took about nine months," he said. "It was originally scheduled to take about a year."
To accomplish the renovation, McIntyre said residents were moved from one wing of the building to the next to allow the work to be completed, some as many as three times.
In addition to reducing the number of units to accommodate larger living areas, the ventilation, sprinkler system, smoke detection and other building systems were updated.
The original 330-square-foot units were expanded to an average 550 square feet of living space by combining apartments, McIntyre said. Common areas have been redecorated and plans are in the works to give the common dining area a new look with a more home-like feel.
Financing was assisted by tax credits offered through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Agency. Its director, Antonio Riley, and Mayor Dave Ross are both planning to participate in the celebration and ribbon cutting, McIntyre said.
The open house starts at 1 p.m. Friday at Royalton Manor, 1901 New York Ave. Call 392-1014 to learn more about the subsidized apartments and eligibility.
Shelley Nelson is available at snelson@superiortelegram.com or (715) 395-5022.
