Historic School Turns into an Affordable Senior Housing Development

HUD New Jersey Field Office Director Maria Maio-Messano (second from right) joined NJ State, County and local officials at the Duffy Senior Apartments ribbon cutting ceremony

Florence, NJ - HUD New Jersey Field Office Director Maria Maio-Messano participated in the grand opening of the new Duffy Senior Apartments, 53 one-bedroom units that will change the lives of area seniors. The development transformed a 19th century elementary school into a residential building that includes a community room, a gymnasium, and an auditorium among other amenities. The old historic school houses thirty-five apartments; the remaining units were built in a new three-story addition.

Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, MEND; and Conifer Realty teamed up to make this development a reality. The $14 million redevelopment of the Marcella L. Duffy Elementary School was funded with Federal Low Income Tax Credits, Federal Historic Tax Credits, Florence Township Affordable Housing Trust Funds, a private construction loan, and HUD Home funds provided through Burlington County.

Federal, State, County, and local officials attended the ribbon cutting ceremony as well as students that attended the old Marcella L. Duffy Elementary School. Many were pleased that the redevelopment that was once used to teach them their A-B-Cs as young children will now be home to area seniors for many years to come.

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