The stately brick building stands empty and silent on a shady lot at the corner of Parker and Salem streets in Lawrence, its blank windows revealing no hint of the transformation underway within.

Volunteers from Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity have begun converting the former convent into new, affordable condominiums for 10 low-income families. We purchased the building in 2008 from the Archdiocese of Boston; it was built in 1908 for the Sisters of Charity, who founded St. Patrick School across the street.

Now, in 2010, we have the permits and zoning approvals we need. Professional contractors funded by the Abbot and Dorothy Stevens Foundation removed hazardous materials, and volunteers are gutting the plaster-and-lathe interior. Tin ceilings, antique radiators, built-in cabinets and other valuable items are being sold; wood doors will be refinished and reused. Construction is expected to begin in earnest later this summer.

The common areas and three units should be finished late in 2011. By the time all work is completed in 2012, the former convent will be home to one 2-bedroom and nine 3-bedroom condominiums with off-street parking.
“The square footage in these individual units is going to be as large or larger than the typical 3-bedroom single-family home we build,” said Executive Director Larry Sharp. The condominiums will be built to Energy Star standards, which means they will be 15-30 percent more energy efficient than housing built to code.

“This is a great use of a beautiful old building that has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood,” Sharp said. “It’s a wonderful place to have affordable housing. When we gave a tour to some of the sisters who lived there, they thought it was terrific.”

When the convent closed, the people of St. Patrick Parish cared deeply about its future use, said Rev. Paul B. O’Brien, the parish priest. “When Habitat approached us about purchasing the property, we felt that we had been blessed by God,” he said. “Habitat for Humanity and St. Patrick’s share the same mission—to address the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community. … The 100 Parker Street project will make a very significant contribution to the stability and safety of our neighborhood. The leaders of our parish couldn’t be more thankful.”

In Lawrence, the Women’s Build program is sponsored by Lowe’s and the Women’s Fund of Essex County. Female volunteers will transform an empty lot on Champlain Avenue into a home for a single mother and her children. “We’ll have a Women Build event every month until the house is completed,” said Sharon Mason, the affiliate’s director of development. “Then we’ll move onto a another home for a woman-headed household.”

The Women’s Fund of Essex County is a non-profit, grant making organization “dedicated to increasing resources, expanding opportunities, and promoting positive social change for women and girls” in the 35 towns in Essex County.
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