The Bennington Regional Affordable Housing Corporation (RAHC) recently finished another major housing rehabilitation project, this time at 501-507 South Street in Bennington, Vt. The completed project, with a total price tag of almost $800,000, will provide nine units of living space, in a variety of configurations.
“This has been a very successful project,†said Dianne Binnick, executive director of RAHC. “As of today, seven of nine units have been occupied, and we expect an eighth to be filled this morning. This project includes four one-bedroom units, two two-bedroom units, two three-bedroom units and one four-bedroom unit, so we have quite a variety of opportunities here.†Like many RAHC housing opportunities, 501-507 South Street is a mixed-income initiative, meaning that people with a variety of economic circumstances may qualify for the affordably-priced rental housing.
“We have an excellent group of people living here so far, and I think they reflect a true cross-section of our community,†said Binnick. “We have five single moms, making our adult-to-child ratio almost equal. ... We have 13 adults and 12 kids.
“But we also have two single folks. We have an apprentice electrician and a woman who works in the nursing field. We also have people who work in retail and at local restaurants, and we even have a staff member here at RAHC who will be living in one of the units.
“It’s important for people to understand that affordable housing is an option for many people, and should not carry the stigma it sometimes does. Lack of affordable housing is an important issue that many families and individuals face, in Vermont and elsewhere. Taking advantage of these opportunities often helps families and individuals time to get back on their feet.â€
Binnick noted that RAHC also provides opportunities for people with disabilities or other special needs. The Bennington-based nonprofit has in the past several years rehabilitated an historic elementary school into a senior housing facility, built new a series of affordable-housing apartments in Manchester, Vt., and has done extensive rehabilitation projects on Benmont Avenue in Bennington. This summer they announced an extensive upcoming project that will transform a cluster of historic buildings in downtown Arlington, Vt. to variety of senior and affordable housing.
Project details
Located right on the cusp of downtown Bennington, on the west side of U.S. Route 7 just north of the Salvation Army building in a residential/commercial district, 501-507 South Street was an attractive property because of the extensive wooded area directly behind it, making future development unlikely. “While being close to amenities downtown, it has a significant amount of privacy, especially the units toward the back of the building,†said Binnick.
The building also contains some extra amenities such as an on-site laundry room.
The project was financed with the help of one local investor, the Bank of Bennington, which provided Tax-Exempt Bond Financing. Low-Income Housing Tax Credits were provided through the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and additional funding came from the Vermont Housing Conservation Board. “It’s nice when you can claim both public and private investors — when both know how important it is to invest in our community.â€
Construction work on the building, which was in poor condition before the renovation, began last fall. Some additional finishing work is being done before the end of fall.
Historical significance
RAHC often tries to restore properties that have historic significance, both socially and architecturally. The historic nature of the buildings can make additional funding available from state and federal institutions.
As part of the rehabilitation, Binnick said RAHC has “gone through all of the necessary procedures to include this property on the National Register of Historic Places.†She added that this designation would increase the possibility of Historic Tax Credits available to offset the cost of maintaining the building in the future.
The 501-507 South Street building contains three separate sections, plus a garage that was added on in the 1930s. Although an exact date for construction of the original building remains elusive, town property records show that the property was first purchased in 1798 by farmer Stephen Pratt, one of the largest landowners in Bennington at the time. It stayed within the Pratt family for three generations, until being sold to Thomas McDaniels in 1838, an in-law of the Pratt family and an entrepreneur who initiated many of the industrial enterprises. Binnick says estimates and comparisons with similarly-designed buildings in the region date the Federal-style original house to around 1800.
The original building is made in the lofty Federal style, including a full pediment with attenuated cornice moldings and prominent, reeded pilasters. The north wing of the building, thought to have been built by McDaniels in the 1840s as his family grew in size, is in the Greek Revival style. A west wing to the rear of the house is a truncated version of what was once a connector between the main house and a barn or outbuildings, now demolished.
In 1913, the house was purchased by John LaFlamme, a French Canadian who had ties to the local industry. LaFlamme subdivided the house to serve the needs of his large extended family, many of whom worked in the local mills and shops. The house stayed in the LaFlamme family until it became too much to keep up. Binnick noted that one of LaFlamme’s descendants will be living in the rehabilitated house. “We’re quite proud of that fact,†she said.
RAHC’s report to the National Register notes that the original building “displays Federal details, which are unusually elegant for the area.â€
“We’re proud to have kept all the historical details intact,†said Binnick. “The unique trim on the exterior, the doors, the roofing, have all been retained.â€
The project cost of $797,000 includes both the acquisition and rehabilitation of the building, as well as a small sum of money set aside for repairs and other incidentals.
RAHC can be contacted at (802) 442-8139.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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