A Lynchburg neighborhood is getting a fresh look, while preserving its history.
A row of homes in the White Rock neighborhood is getting a major facelift.
"Most of these houses were vacant, or occupied in less than good condition," said Laura Dupuy, executive director of Lynchburg Neighborhood Development Foundation.
The organization is converting 13 houses from single-family homes to apartment buildings, all while giving the properties a much needed restoration. It's a project called "Hilltop Homes."
Every one of these houses is more than 100 years old. Dupuy says they could easily be torn down and replaced with something new, but she believes this will keep the home's historic character intact and meet the growing demand for low-income housing.
"We're trying to preserve the buildings, while giving them good present use and also providing good and affordable housing for people who need it," said Dupuy.
LNDF is putting a lot of expensive detail into these houses. One home on Grace Street has custom windows. The siding is "hardy plank," hard material, not vinyl.
"We err on the side of quality, so these are expensive projects," said Dupuy.
LNDF is spending five-million dollars to fix up all 13 homes. Some say that's too much to spend on what will be a low-income apartments.
"I've done this a lot," said Dupuy. "I know what these properties are going to be worth and are worth."
Dupuy says the finished houses should raise property values for the whole neighborhood.
She's seen it happen before. LNDF has done similar restoration projects in two other parts of Lynchburg.
"I want people to know there's a lot worth saving in Lynchburg, and there's a lot of people who will benefit from this," said Dupuy.
The finished project will provide 24 new apartments. LNDF is taking applications now from people who want to lease the properties.
