Tours of the fully renovated, 35-unit facility – now fully occupied – will also be available.

Located at 555 S. 5th Ave. in Alpena, the facility, which was most recently the Bingham Arts Academy, has been transformed into Bingham Apartments.

The new apartments will provide much-needed affordable housing for local seniors with limited incomes.

The 46,000-square-foot complex features 29 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. Rent ranges from approximately $350 per month for a one-bedroom apartment to $950 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.

Courtesy Photos Anyone who attended Bingham School years ago will recall the hallways of the Bingham Apartments, located at 555 S. 5th Ave. in Alpena.

In partnership with Huntington Bank and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Hope Network purchased the property in February 2024 and invested approximately $19 million in a full renovation. Nineteen units were renovated from the original school, while another 16 were newly constructed as part of an addition.

Originally built in 1863, the former school was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. As a result of this historic designation, key architectural features – including the original floors and hallways – have been preserved.

Bingham Apartments is located just two blocks south of Alpena’s downtown and only a short walk to local shops and restaurants. It sits in a walkable part of town with grocery stores, dining options, and shopping centers all within half a mile.

Plus, public transit stops and bike-friendly routes run nearby.

“The need for affordable housing across all sectors, including seniors with limited incomes, remains urgent across our state,” explained Bob Von Kaenel, president and CEO of Hope Network, in a press release. “To be able to help fill this local void is extremely gratifying for all of the many collaborative partners involved. Bingham Apartments represents a tangible step toward equity, dignity, and stability for those who need it most; we couldn’t be more thrilled that we’re at 100% occupancy, with a waiting list.”

“By bringing together public, private, and nonprofit partners, we’ve been able to create an inclusive housing solution that sets the stage for long-term community growth,” said Nick Florian, NMI, Market President of Huntington Bank, in the release. “Bingham Apartments represents a shining example of how we can work together to address the affordable housing crisis, especially among our seniors, and build stronger communities.”

The need for affordable housing in Michigan is critical. According to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the state is facing a shortage of 140,000 housing units to meet the demand. The ongoing housing crisis has been exacerbated by rising construction and rental costs, high interest rates, and a significant gap between what Michigan families earn and the cost of housing.

Additionally, for no extra cost, all residents will have in-unit washers, dryers, and dishwashers, a community meeting room, a library, gymnasium, and on-site parking and bicycle storage.

Construction and renovation of Bingham Apartments began in April 2024, led by DeStigter Architecture. Supported by Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), rents are set at 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Bingham Apartments exceeds Fair Housing Act and Section 504 accessibility standards, with all units meeting visitable design requirements, 31 units classified as barrier-free Type-B, and 4 as fully barrier-free Type-A. One unit is also equipped for hearing and visually impaired residents.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.