This project is an adaptive reuse of the historic, six-story, Gothic Revival building formerly known as Villa Maria Academy. Constructed in 1927 for the Felician Sisters of St. Francis to house a boarding and day high school, public and private chapels and the Motherhouse/Novitiate, Villa Maria Academy closed in 2006. With a desire to preserve this beautiful building and give it new life, the structure has been re-purposed as a supportive living community called Angela's House.
Trautman Associates collaborated with Preservation Studios, RP Oak Hill, and Catholic Charities to convert the six-story building into 67 apartments. Support and case management spaces have been included in the design as well. This development enlivens a once-vacant part of the Felician sisters campus and re-establishes the property as an anchor in this transitional neighborhood.
Check out news coverage on the project below:
Leaders break ground on senior citizen affordable housing at old Villa Maria High School campus, WIVB, August 27, 2021
Conversion of former Villa Maria school into Angela's House begins, The Buffalo News, August 27, 2021
Gov. Hochul announces groundbreaking of housing development in historic Cheektowaga building, WGRZ, August 26, 2021
Angela's House: Affordable Homes for Seniors, Buffalo Rising, June 1, 2021
EHCI, CB-Emmanuel Realty and Delta Development to transform former school building into Angela’s House, New York State Real Estate Journal, June 1, 2021
Villa Maria conversion to Angela's House secures critical funding, The Buffalo News, May 26, 2021
Work to begin on Villa Maria Academy conversion, The Buffalo News, February 8, 2021
