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LOWELLVILLE -- New housing is coming to the village of Lowellville in 2021.
Eighteen units will be built at the old school yard located at 2 Grant St. and will be named Casa Della Vechhia Scuola.
Overseeing the construction is local developer Sam Pitzulo with Sam Pitzulo Homes and Remodeling.
Pitzulo said that he anticipates groundbreaking in the spring with residents moving in by the end of summer.
The housing construction is aligned with the economic growth along Water Street, where the concrete dam was recently extracted.
Working with the village, Pitzulo, who grew up in Lowellville, said the project is "perfect timing."
"For about three to four years, we've been talking about this," he said.
Mayor Jim Iudiciani said the project was in the discussion and planning stages for a while, and the housing project is the beginning for the village.
"This is the first shovel in the ground for development plans in Lowellville. There's much more to come," he said.
Units will range from 700 square feet to 1,400 square feet, costing between $125,000 to $175,000, Pitzulo said.
Most of the condos will be one story with two bedrooms, while the only two-story units will have a third bedroom located upstairs.
The decision to keep the structures short came after Pitzulo said he looked around Lowellville and saw there are tall houses.
He also kept in mind that as many people age, they don't want to climb stairs, he said. Tying the development together will be white picket fencing.
Included in the grounds will be a courtyard, pavilion and fire pit, among other recreational amenities, Pitzulo said.
The village has been discussing a transaction with the Lowellville Local School district, which took time to iron out.
Ultimately, the village paid $23,000 cash and agreed to pave two parking lots, which Iudiciani said is estimated to cost around $50,000.
"We couldn't be happier" to work with the school district, Iudiciani said.
Superintendent Geno Thomas said when the village approached the district, it was " a sign of support for the growth of our village, district and region."
Iudiciani echoed the sentiment, stating that the three local entities working for the revitalization of Lowellville are part of an exciting adventure for the village.
"It's a positive and honorable time," Iudiciani said.