Historic Preservation

Over the last forty years, Gorman & Company has received numerous distinctions, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation / HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation for our work in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects.

Many historic buildings, often located in the heart of our communities, become threatened once they outlive their original purpose. Without knowledgeable intervention, they can become costly burdens for communities. Gorman & Company specializes in revitalizing these beloved structures to serve a new, meaningful purpose by transforming them from liabilities into lasting community assets.

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Sherman Park Commons in Milwaukee, WI

Sherman Park Commons
Total Development Cost: $14,246,068

Sherman Park Commons was the result of collaboration with the Sherman Park Neighborhood Association and Milwaukee Department of City Development. This project saves the historic Jackie Robinson Middle School and provides a much needed catalyst for the neighborhood to maintain its forward momentum. The school has been transformed into 68 units of affordable senior housing. Seniors are able to stay close to their families, friends, and community with the reuse of this building. The historic renovation was an opportunity, through innovative art media, to showcase Milwaukee’s African American culture and history. The hallways, stairwells, and other common areas within the school offer an open canvas to portray the culture and history of the African American community in the Sherman Park neighborhood and Milwaukee as a whole. Amenities include a theatre, fitness center, playground, community room, computer lab, garden plots, and beauty salon.

Alexander Lofts in Milwaukee, WI

Alexander Lofts
Total Development Cost: $13,166,819

Gorman & Company in partnership with the City of Milwaukee, renovated the the historic Hills Building into a new public library space on the first floor with market rate residential apartments above. The upper floors were renovated to create 52 apartment units, and the separate back building was renovated to create an additional 8 townhouse units, for a total of 60 units. The Hills Department Store building was originally a department store, later a hardware store, and most recently a commercial office building. The property is located within the Historic Mitchell Street district, a nine block stretch of architecturally and historically significant commercial structures locally designated by the City of Milwaukee.

McKinley School Apartments, Milwaukee WI

McKinley School Apartments
Total Development Cost: $9,384,016

The McKinley School Apartments is an adaptive reuse project that transformed a long-vacant historic school building into 39 units of quality affordable housing in the City of Milwaukee. Originally constructed in 1885 with additions in 1898 and 1958, the former William McKinley School had been abandoned since 2013 before Gorman & Company began construction in January 2022. The redevelopment offers a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units affordable to households earning up to 60% of the County Median Income. On-site amenities include a management office, community room, fitness center, and resident storage.

Located at 2001 W. Vliet Street on Milwaukee’s near west side, the project not only helps address the city’s need for affordable housing but also revitalizes a landmark structure that has served the community for over 130 years. Financing for the redevelopment included WHEDA 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Federal and State Historic Tax Credits, and various gap financing sources. McKinley School Apartments stands as a successful example of historic preservation meeting modern housing needs.

Hill Street School Apartments in Globe, AZ

Hill Street School Apartments
Total Development Cost: $22,795,662

Hill Street School Apartments is a transformative adaptive reuse project located in Globe, Arizona—a historic community 90 miles east of downtown Phoenix, perched at 3,500 feet above sea level. With a population of just over 7,000, Globe’s identity is rooted in its mining origins and rich cultural heritage. The city was named after a globe-shaped piece of pure silver discovered in the area, and today, mining, ranching, and tourism continue to anchor the local economy. A significant portion of Globe’s population—22%—is aged 65 and older, many of whom have lived in the community their entire lives. As these residents look toward retirement, the demand for affordable senior housing far exceeds availability.

Pearl Place Apartments in Belvidere, IL

Pearl Place Apartments
Total Development Cost: $9,298,770

Pearl Place Senior Apartments in Belvidere, Illinois, is a thoughtfully restored historic landmark that now provides 56 affordable homes for seniors, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities. Originally built in 1893 as Garfield School and later expanded into Belvidere High School, the building blends Classical Revival, Prairie School, and Art Deco architecture while preserving over a century of community history. Saved from potential demolition and later from market-rate conversion, today Pearl Place offers a welcoming community where seniors can age in place with dignity while staying connected to their hometown.

In partnership with WHEDA and the City of Wausau, Gorman transformed a century-old downtown property into The Landmark, offering 94 modern affordable one and two-bedroom units through the use of historic and affordable housing tax credits.

In partnership with the VA, WCHA, and BCHA, Gorman preserved the affordability of Pearl Place in Belvidere, IL. Pearl Place will continue to offer 56 affordable, accessible homes for seniors and Veterans, ensuring long-term supportive housing in the community.

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