St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield could be converted into housing

Scarafoni Associates plans to buy the long-vacant St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield to convert the top two floors into 21 market-rate apartments, and the city's Community Development Board approved a zoning subdivision to allow the sale.

The former St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield may be transformed into housing and some ground-level commercial space. Scarafoni Associates partner David Carver has revealed plans to purchase the long-vacant building and develop 21 market-rate apartments. The school has been largely unused since 2017 and previously served as a homeless shelter for several years. This week the city's Community Development Board approved a zoning subdivision to separate the school parcel from the adjoining St. Joseph's Church, which Carver said would allow the purchase to proceed. Known details: - Scarafoni Associates plans to buy the building at 22 Maplewood Ave. and convert the top two floors into 21 market-rate apartments. - The building was founded as St. Joseph's High School in 1897; the current structure dates to 1942 and the school closed after the 2016-17 year due to declining enrollment and financial pressures. - The Community Development Board approved a zoning subdivision to separate the school parcel from the church, a step needed for the sale. - The project is estimated to cost about $9 million, and a local bank has expressed interest in financing, with owner equity and some state programs expected to help fund it. - The proposal is seeking a Housing Development Incentive Program tax credit; program awardees are announced in the fall and construction is likely to begin around that time if funding and approvals align. - The building has deferred maintenance, including a leaky roof, and there is potential for compatible commercial use on the lower level, according to the developer. Summary: The proposal would add 21 market-rate apartments to downtown Pittsfield and could include ground-floor commercial space, using a building that has been largely vacant since 2017. Progress depends on financing and a Housing Development Incentive Program award expected in the fall, with construction potentially starting afterward.