Lawler School Lofts
Work continues on the third floor hallway. The original tin ceiling has been scraped, primed and painted and will add to the historic character of the building. (Photos by Ted Pennekamp)
This apartment will have an interesting archway and windows. The apartments of Lawler School Lofts are of varying sizes and shapes.
A 31-vehicle garage is being built behind Lawler School Lofts.
Some apartments in Lawler School Lofts nearing completion
By Ted Pennekamp
Some of the apartments which will be part of Lawler School Lofts should be nearly completed in two to three weeks, especially those on the third floor.
The third floor will get done first, followed by the second floor and then the first, said assistant site superintendent Noah Ledezma of Commonwealth Construction, the general contractor for the project.
The 40-unit complex will be a mixture of three bedroom apartments and two bedroom apartments, said Ledezma, who noted each apartment will be unique in size and shape due to the shape of the former Wyalusing Academy building.
All of the apartments look to be comfortably large, especially the three bedroom units. Ledezma pointed out every apartment will have a laundry room furnished with a washer and dryer. The three bedroom apartments will have two bathrooms, including a master bathroom, most of which are right off of the master bedroom.
Lawler School Lofts is a historic preservation and reuse project. Hardwood floors will be refinished and the preservation of historic woodwork will keep the historic integrity of the property, while providing nice apartments for the residents to enjoy. Commonwealth Development, headquartered in Fond du Lac, is utilizing both federal and state historic tax credits, and without both of those resources, the project would not be feasible.
The exterior of the building will keep its historic look, as will much of the interior. The ceilings are high and the original windows will remain, albeit with new panes. All asbestos and lead has been removed and the windows repainted.
The original tin ceilings in the hallways have been scraped, primed and painted, said Ledezma. Also, much of the original wood in the 80,000-square-foot building is being reused.
One of the three bedroom apartments on the third floor will be used as a “model” for viewing shortly after it is completed.
Ledezma said that cabinetwork will begin soon in some of the three bedroom, third floor apartments.
“This has been a cool experience for all of us,” said Ledezma. “There have been some challenges but there is so much history and character in this building.”
The apartments are expected to rent for between $500 and just under $900. All apartments have nice views.
In addition to apartments, Lawler School Lofts will have an exercise room, business center, tenant storage, community room and an on-site property management office. The building will retain its historic look, yet will have modern amenities. A 31-car garage is being built behind the apartment complex.
Construction on the $8.7 million project began in late August of 2017 and the project is expected to be completed by August of 2018. Lawler School Lofts is located at 601 S. Beaumont Road, Prairie du Chien.
