Former Grosse Pointe, Mich., school added to National Register of Historic Places

A former school building in Grosse Pointe, Mich., has been added to the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the Cadieux School was constructed between 1905 and 1906. The original structure, designed by architectural firm Stratton and Baldwin, was a two-story brick building. In later years, as the student population expanded, the building was expanded. Eventually, it was used as the district's administration building

The facility was owned by the district until it sold the structure to developer Brian Giles, who plans to redevelop the building for residential purposes.

"It's (the building) got an amazing history, so it was a pretty easy process," Giles says. "The reason we pursued it (getting on the National Register) is because in our redevelopment of the project, we're going to utilize historic tax credits as part of our capital stack."

 The structure will be converted into 18 apartments, varying in floor plans. He plans to maintain the building's historic details and personality while ensuring future residents are provided proper amenities.

"The common areas will remain and we're going to bring back the original characteristics with wainscoting and the doors in the corridors," Giles said. "It's going to be completely redevelopment, yet retain those historic features."