Ward 5 Apartments Leased!

Once a bustling hub of activity full of students and teachers, the old Ward 5 School on Humbert Street in Barre City was shuttered in 1995 and became a blighted building that had been sitting empty for nearly ten years. Downstreet breathed new life into the historic school by restoring and converting it into nine new apartment homes for low- and moderate-income households.

In March 2025, Downstreet celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Ward 5 School. The transformation of the building preserved its historic character—including the original chalkboards—while creating beautiful, dignified housing.

"The classrooms, the principal’s office, the cafeteria, the gym, have been repurposed to spaces into spaces where generations will thrive in a different way in a building where history and new beginnings will be blended,” said Angie Harbin, Downstreet Executive Director. 

The historic building has played a role in the life of thousands of Barre citizens, and support from the broader community, including the Barre Housing Authority and the Barre City Council, was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

“Downstreet is grateful to be part of the shared commitment that made this project possible,” she continued. “The addition of affordable housing strengthens our community, and makes this building worth preserving.”