By Michael Skubal
DAILY NEWS STAFF

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For the Historic West Elementary School, it’s 1923 and on to the future. All the paperwork is done; all the hurdles have been jumped. The building is now an Historic Building, designated so by the Department of the Interior.

For West Elementary, the days of reading, writing and ’rithmetic are over. The building is now an apartment complex for older adults. The summer of 2007 saw the Rhinelander Housing Authority (RHA) team up with the Commonwealth Company to renovate the school into 24 apartments. It is being financed through historic tax credits. After the building was placed on the national registry of historic places, historic tax credits were awarded.

These tax credits were sold on the open market to Wachovia, a large financial institution, as a way for them to reduce their tax burden. According to Nancy McKenzie, executive director of the Rhinelander Housing Authority, “The arrangement will last for 15 years after which the housing authority will own the building outright. This is the first housing development in the 38 years of the RHA’s existence.

“The historic building designation means the building must maintain the original elements from its construction in 1923. We can’t change the facade, the outside of the building, the chalkboards, hardwood flooring or cabinetry. If you notice the windows and doors, they’re all painted white as they were originally in 1923.”

McKenzie has been executive director of the RHA for the last eight years. The RHA is separate from the city of Rhinelander, though the mayor does appoint the RHA board. The RHA also operates Evergreen Manor.

Amenities include a beauty salon, exercise room, library, an arts and crafts room and a media room. The building is open to those 55 and older. An income eligibility test must be completed before a tenant is approved. The highest rent for the complex is $600. For more information, call Nancy McKenzie at 365-7979.

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