History is something Virginians take seriously. We were one of the first states, and home to 8 of our 45 presidents.
That’s why Roanoke based non-profit Restoration Housing is deciding to renovate an old home rather than simply building a new one.
Originally, the duplex at 1018 Patterson Avenue was a family home, and then it was converted into a duplex.
It’s been empty for the past few years and has fallen into disrepair.
Square 1 Contractor Chad Brown says it needs extensive work, both cosmetically and structurally. “It’s going to need extensive work on the walls. Some restructuring in the back where it’s starting to settle.”
Isabel Thornton, the executive director of Restoration Housing, the group funding the renovation, says it will be worth it in the long run. “”To see it come back to life and what I imagine similar condition to how it was originally built and have two families be able to enjoy and experience it,” she said.
When the duplex is renovated, Frederick Gusler, the Director of Redevelopment and Revitalization for the Roanoke Housing Authority, says the entire neighborhood should benefit. “By giving people some hope that things are going to change, that living conditions are going to improve, then you really hope that spreads throughout and people will take more pride in their property and in the end it’s better for everyone involved.”
But more importantly, it will benefit the two families who will now have a place to call home. Thornton says she has been studying affordable housing and “There’s a drastic shortage of new affordable housing, and it’s also the highest growing need in housing demands. There’s a drastic need of quality and there’s a drastic need of subsidies.”
She says handing over keys to a grateful family makes the hard work worth it. “To know that we can provide that quality of life with something that doesn’t burden anybody financially if they have a young family, then that’s incredible important.”
For associated video with this story, click here.
Pubished June 29, 2017 on WSET 13 by Annie Anderson.
