Celebrating 35 Years: Historical Property Rehabilitation
Posted by: Preservation Management, Inc. in Uncategorized on July 1, 2025
Restoring the Past
In previous articles we’ve explored the past of Preservation Management, Inc. Through innovation and improved departmental strategies, PMI has seen significant growth within the affordable housing industry. But it’s not just our teams that evolve, our properties do as well.
The properties below have undergone significant transformation over time. While they now serve as affordable housing communities, each of these buildings originally had a different purpose.Whether they began as a hotel or a school these structures have been repurposed with care and intention.
Although creating affordable housing is a critical achievement, we also want to honor the origins of these buildings. Through thoughtful restoration and management, PMI continues to preserve the legacy of each site, carrying forward its original missions of serving people through community.
Preserving Legacy
Hamilton Place Apartments, located at 956 Hamilton Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, was originally known as the Hamilton Hotel. The ground broke for construction in 1902, and by 1903, the four-story hotel opened its doors to the public, showcasing its stunning Beaux Arts architectural style.
The Hamilton Hotel was once a place where both the local community and guests would gather for events and retreats. Creating an atmosphere where everyone felt welcomed and at home. The hotel was used as a hub for the visitors traveling to the 1904 World’s Fair that was held in St. Louis, MO. The World’s Fair is an “exhibition designed to showcase the achievements of nations”.
In 1954, the building’s interior was converted into a medical rehabilitation center.
Then, during the 1980s, it was transitioned into residential housing. Since 2011, Preservation Management has been managing the property.
Today, Hamilton Place offers 98 units for families that consist of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. It remains a vibrant gathering place for residents, which has helped maintain the building’s historical charm and community-centered mission.
Preservation Management continues to preserve the building’s legacy while adapting it for modern family living.
New Purpose
Archway Commons Apartments, located at 2707 Rauschenbach Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, was originally known as Frank P. Blair School. The school was in session from 1881 through the mid-1970s. The building showcases classic Victorian-era architecture with detailed craftsmanship.
The school educated K-8th grades that resided in St. Louis Place neighborhood.
In the late 1970’s the building was converted into residential housing, with the name Blair School Apartments.
Later, in 2014, PMI acquired this community and it became known as Archway Commons.
Currently, Archway Commons has 38 units for families that consist of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. While its purpose has shifted from education to housing, it remains rooted in serving the people of the St. Louis Place neighborhood. Providing a community to call home that supports families building strong and stable futures.
Enhanced Dynamic
The Schoolhouse Apartments located at 183 Harlow Street in Bangor, Maine, was originally known as Bangor High School. The school began operations in 1913 for grades 9-12.
In the 1980s it was repurposed for residential and commercial use.
Preservation Management began managing the property in 2021. In conjunction with the start of the rehabilitation project led by Community Housing of Maine. The construction added 9 new residential units and provided new common amenities for residents. Renovations were completed in 2024.
Present day, The Schoolhouse has 66 units for families that consist of efficiency, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments.
What once served as an education hub now provides a place for many individuals to call home. The Schoolhouse offers stability, comfort, and community. The result of this collaboration is an enhanced dynamic living environment that respects the building’s heritage while serving the needs of today’s residents.
Sources:
- Bangor, Maine, Bangor High School. (n.d.). DigitalCommons@UMaine. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/spec_photos/387/
- Bangor Schoolhouse | CHOM. (n.d.). CHOM. https://www.chomhousing.org/bangor-schoolhouse
- National Register of Historic Places Inventory. (1982, July). https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/Blair%2C%20Frank%20P.%2C%20School.pdf
- National Park Service. (2011, March 17). National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. United States Department of Interior. https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/Hamilton%20Hotel.pdf
- Sullivan, B. (2024, December 10). Frank P. Blair School — Picture this STL. Picture This STL. https://www.picturethis-stl.com/schools/blairschool
- Structures, H. (2023, November 4). Frank P. Blair School, St. Louis Missouri. Historic Structures. https://www.historic-structures.com/mo/st_louis/frank-blair-school/
- World’s Fair. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_fair