PARIS — The sale of the Mildred M. Fox School located at 10 Market Place, to Avesta Housing, was finalized on Dec. 28. 

The town sold the building to Avesta Housing for $125,000. Vic Hodgkins stated in his town manager’s report that, “The Fox School account has a current balance of $123,999.82 … after costs and fees.”

The building was originally constructed in 1883 and had been used as a public school until 2008, and was named after a former principal. 

Avesta’s current plans include remodeling classrooms into apartments and addressing ongoing maintenance concerns, such as the cost of general care and the pellet boiler issues.

“Beyond the transaction itself, this property is also now back on the tax roll,” said Hodgkins. Avesta had sent their development officer, Patrick Hess, to the selectboard in July of 2016 to present plans for the development of residences for older residents, leaving for the possibility for a resident to make a home from what was once their classroom. 

There are plans for 12 units to go in, mostly one-bedrooms, according to Avesta.  Rent will be relative to income and cost between $400 and $600 a month with heat, hot water, and electricity included. The area offers shops and restaurants nearby.

“It’s a win, win, win. It’s a win for the town, it’s a win for Avesta and it’s a win for elderly housing for our community,” says Hodgkins. 

abrown@advertiserdemocrat.com