After nearly half a century, the Lake Street apartment building will see a new face.

The building will be revitalized into the Gerard Block Apartments. The brick on the building will be refurbished and five commercial storefronts will replace the boarded up space.  

The building will not only be used for apartments, but also a place for artists of all kinds.

“This one can be earmarked for artists, the best part about this is that communities that are changing and evolving, they often do that through artwork in the community, to change it and give it a fun feel that’s interactive and can teach lessons and grow communities,” Brent Stermer, 2nd District Councilman for the City of Elmira, said. 

The $20 million project will begin funding in October.

If all goes as planned, construction will roll out right after. The project is slated to be completed in 2020.