Years after it nearly collapsed, White's Livery Stable on Jersey Street is expected to soon be open for apartment tenants.
The 19th Century structure deteriorated under the effects of time and poor maintenance until it started to fall down into neighboring yards in 2008.
A campaign to block demolition led to a complicated package to save the structure, repair it and use if for affordable housing. Rents will range from $400 to $800.
At a cost of $3 million, Developer Sam Savarino says it wasn't easy, but around November 1, people will start moving into the 14 apartments.
"There were some surprises after we got involved. Some of the brick wasn't in the shape it appeared to be and that presented some engineering problems that we had to address and spend some money on," Savarino said.
"There were a few environmental concerns in regard to some buried tanks and some other things that weren't evident in the beginning when the studies were done and had to be addressed."
It's legally a little complicated with a non-profit owning the building and the developer's Savarino Companies managing.
The landmark high-rounded door stays and opens into the indoor parking, the only way to deal with tenant cars and the skimpy parking in the neighborhood.