By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — Call it a lesson in resourcefulness: The former Our Lady of Consolation school has been transformed into stylish 1- and 2-bedroom condominiums geared toward the affordable housing market.

On Monday, Mandamiento Nuevo, a non-profit corporation of the Diocese of Providence, held a ribbon cutting to mark the conversion of the dilapidated and unused school building to Renaissance at Pleasant View. Officials from the Diocese, including Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, and local clergy, along with Mayor James E. Doyle and other city officials, were on hand to celebrate the project’s completion.
The three-story building on Webster Street offers 14 units of newly renovated condominiums for qualified buyers who meet specific income guidelines. An additional four units, which will be handicapped accessible, are scheduled to be constructed in two separate buildings in the existing parking lot area, according to the diocese.
The brick building, which dates back to 1905, served as a Catholic school until 1997.  The city had previously rented it as an annex for the Winters Elementary School, but in recent years, the building had been vacant and had fallen into disrepair. Now, the old classrooms have been turned into modern, architecturally pleasing living spaces, featuring high ceilings and large windows offering striking views of the neighborhood and surrounding cityscape.
Bishop Tobin called Renaissance at Pleasant View “another wonderful example of the Church at work.” “It’s an example of the Church tailoring its resources to the changing needs of the time,” he added.
Tobin, who also bestowed a blessing on the complex, said, “You see the building, but you don’t see the foundation. The foundation is our faith.”
Msgr. Paul D. Theroux, Vicar General for the Diocese and president of Mandamiento Nuevo, noted that it was two years ago when a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the renovation of “a very tired school building.” “I’m so happy to be here and so proud of the results,” he stated, saying he considers the 14 units to be “deluxe affordable housing.”
Theroux singled out Frank Spinella, of FJS Associates, Ltd., Stand Corporation and Vision 3 Architects, for their work on the project. He also credited Fr. Norman Courtemanche, pastor of Our Lady of Consolation Church, for having “patience” throughout the lengthy construction period.
In his remarks, Mayor James E. Doyle noted that he grew up about six blocks away from the school and has witnessed the deterioration of Pleasant View in recent years. “Today, we’re seeing the rebirth in this neighborhood, and, quite possibly, this could be the beginning of something,” he stated. He added, “In today’s troubling economy, I am very pleased that 18 affordable housing units will be available.”
The condominiums are being made available through Places & Spaces Realty, 231 Main St., Pawtucket. According to Linda T. Dewing, broker, 1 bedroom units are priced at $137,000, 2-bedroom are $155,000, and 2-bedroom units with a loft are $159,000. Interested buyers can call 725-1500 for more information.
Among those attending the ribbon-cutting were several nuns who had a long association with Our Lady of Consolation School. Sister Delores, who taught school there for almost 35 years, said she was “very happy” to see the building being put to a new use. She added that, after seeing the airy and comfortable condos, she would even like to live there herself.
Sister Jeanne Bouchard, who taught eighth grade at the Our Lady of Consolation and was a student there herself, described her feelings upon touring her old school as “very emotional.” Referring to her second floor classroom that is now a living area, she joked, “If these walls could only speak...”
According to the Diocese, Citizens Bank financed the project with a $2.4 million loan for construction and renovation. New construction of four of the units was financed by a $300,000 city of Pawtucket H.O.M.E. Housing and Urban Development grant that requires strict income guidelines. The remaining units require that occupants make no more than 120 percent of median income for the city depending upon the size of the family.
According to Councilor John J. Barry, who is Secretary for Social Ministry for the Diocese, Mandamiento Nuevo, which means “New Commandment,” was established by the Diocese of Providence to address the shortage of affordable housing in Rhode Island by transforming unused church property into reasonably priced homes. There is a similar housing development in Warren, he added.