Reto, who is also involved with Crossroads Outreach, an organization that supports vulnerable populations, including the homeless and formerly incarcerated, was approached by Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County’s Administrator, with the idea of repurposing the school building into housing. Although this was not initially part of their plan, as they explored the idea, it became evident that this could be the ideal solution to a pressing community need. AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES A combination of factors drove the decision to revitalize the Ondossagon School. The school’s central location, between Ashland and Washburn, made it an ideal candidate for conversion into housing. Additionally, the growing demand for affordable housing became increasingly apparent. With the building already in place and the potential to serve as a quiet yet accessible living space, the idea quickly gained momentum. “We saw the potential to not only preserve a piece of our local history but also address a critical need for affordable housing in our area,” Reto explains. “The school’s location is ideal, offering a quiet living space with proximity to both Ashland and Washburn. It just made sense.” Reto and his family turned to Lauren Dahl, coowner and architect of record at C&S Design and Engineering, and Tess Komas and Brianna Werhanowicz, the project managers and designers, to bring this vision to life. With their deep expertise in architectural design and a keen understanding of the complexities involved in tax credit and grantfunded projects, C&S has embraced the challenge of transforming the old school into a functional, modern residential space. ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES The Ondossagon School, built in 1917, presented several unique challenges to the design and construction team. The building’s thick walls and unique layout, which had served the school well for decades, now pose a significant obstacle to converting the space into modern housing units. However, these challenges also offered opportunities 84 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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