Nearly burnt down by a fire back in 2011, Birmingham’s historic Powell School was recently saved from the chopping block when the city passed a plan that will turn the old school into downtown apartments.

The city of Birmingham is requesting $3.7 million in federal HUD loans in order to transform the historic school located at 2329 Sixth Ave. N. into a 24-unit apartment building. The $3.7 million would be part of a 20-year loan on behalf of Atlanta-based Integral Development.

Birmingham’s Director of Community Development John Colon says that, “We think this is a deal that’s going to happen. It is something that compliments Park Place and is going to bring more housing options into the marketplace. It also takes a long-neglected, blighted property and increases property values.”

After catching on fire in 2011, the historic school was originally meant to be torn down, until local historic preservationists urged the city to find another option. The preservationists group known as the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation, was then granted $500,000 by the city in order to spruce up the old school and have the roof replaced.

Former President of Operation New Birmingham and Alabama Trust volunteer Michael Calvert says that they are very excited to see how the apartments turn out and that they are glad that Integral is the company in charge of repurposing the historic school.

Birmingham City Council endorsed the application just two weeks ago.

If you are moving to Birmingham and looking to rent, check online for when the Powell School apartments’ completion date will be and a local Birmingham moving company will be happy to move your belongings into one of the city’s historical landmarks.