For decades the old Holley High School, located in a prominent spot in the village’s business district, has been an eyesore for those passing by on Routes 31 and 237, but that may be about to change.
A development team including Home Leasing, Edgemere Development, Glasow Simmons Architecture and Marathon Engineering – all Rochester-based firms – is working to restore and renovate the circa 1931 neo-classical revival style building into mixed income senior housing and Village of Holley offices.
The development team held an informational meeting for the Holley community September 27 at the Holley Middle School/High School auditorium.
Dozens of residents turned out to hear about the status of the project. Developers said there is still much work ahead to make the project a reality, but the agreement of Orleans County to foreclose on the property has opened up the way for Home Leasing to take ownership and begin the process of financing the restoration/conversion.
Home Leasing chair/CEO Nelson Leenhouts said if financing – including tax credits relating to historic preservation – can be put in place over the winter, construction might begin next summer.
“We are working with a group of officials from the Village of Holley, Orleans County and the Town of Murray,” Leenhouts said. “We have asked for an awful lot and made a lot of progress.”
The proposal calls for 41 units of mixed-income housing for people 55-years of age and older. Additionally, the Village of Holley will have office space on the main floor with parking and access off South Main Street. The auditorium will be preserved and restored to its original glory, developers say, to provide space for public meetings. Developers will also restore the exterior of the building, including the portico with pediment and columns.
The old Holley High School was part of the first-ever “Five to Revive” list compiled by the Landmark Society of Western New York in 2013. The Eastman Dental Dispensary was also on that list, and Home Leasing recently held a ribbon cutting at that location for their work to restore and renovate the Dispensary into senior housing.
Landmark Society Executive Director Wayne Goodman attended the September 27 informational meeting. Goodman explained that the old Holley High School was selected as a “Five to Revive” because of its architectural merit, the fact it was once the center of civic life in Holley, and for its potential.
“I am full of confidence in the development team,” Goodman said.
Developers said it was the designation on the Five to Revive list that brought them out to Holley to view the sight.
The development team also explained that they will work to restore the building to its original condition, maintaining ceiling heights and corridor widths. Plans call for 72 parking spaces and the village will own and maintain the parking lot.
Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said parking spaces not used by residents will be available to the public. Home Leasing will have on-site management and maintenance of the building once the project is complete.
Mayor Sorochty said it has been a pleasure thus far working with county, town and village officials to bring the proposal to this point. “Residents’ support is extremely important,” he said of those who live in the community. “Remain positive and patient.”
