by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Public School 24 hasn’t had kids running through its halls for more than decade. The stairwells, however, still have nubs to keep children from sliding down the rails; the walls are painted bright primary colors; bare brick is all around; light pours in from massive windows.
The school sat deserted for a few years and nearly eight years ago it was bought by developers Paul Shockey and Tony Allegretti. By 2001 — and $1.3 million later — 1951 Market Street, a 15-unit apartment complex, opened.
“It’s a great building,” said Allegretti, whose mother was one of the first tenants. “It’s been a good project. We turned the building around, put tenants in and now we’re excited about the next phase of homeownership.”
The 800 square foot to 2,500 square-foot units are priced from $160,000s to the mid-$300,000s.
P.S. 24 building was built in 1926 in the Collegiate Gothic style by Jacksonville architects Mark & Sheftall. It features exposed brick throughout with high ceilings, large windows, efficient central heating and air, in-home washer, dryer, dishwasher and security systems. Some units feature balconies, terraces, patios, and dog runs. The homes at 1951 Market are gated and are adjacent to the newly renovated Liberty Park.
Recently, there was a cookout at the complex in the Springfield Historic District. Potential homebuyers, and family, and friends of the developer gathered for art, music, food and the Manhattan Short Film Festival Preview.
Realtors from Atkinson Realty also there to answer questions.
“We are working in Springfield more than we ever have and it’s like watching history come alive,” said Atkinson, president of Atkinson Realty. “We have never seen such revitalization of an area anywhere. The quality is unparellel. It’s interesting to see the area coming back.”