Once a proud landmark, Walter French Junior High School stood at the corner of Mt. Hope Avenue and Cedar Street in south Lansing, its towering presence a symbol of education and community from 1925 until its closure in 1981. For decades, thousands of students passed through its halls, but after the school’s closure, the building became a shadow of its former self ultimately being left vacant and in disrepair.
Today, that once-crumbling relic is thriving again, thanks to the vision and determination of the Capital Area Housing Partnership. Along with its partners, CAHP has saved the historic structure and given it new life as The Residences at Walter French. With 70 apartments surrounded by modern amenities and supportive services, the revitalized space is now home to a diverse group of residents, from families with children to seniors.
A new era for 
Walter French
Emma Henry, Executive Director of CAHP, remembers when her organization acquired the building in 2017 with a bold plan to transform it into a vibrant community. Visitors stepping inside the beautifully restored building experience a blend of history and the energy of a modern community where residents engage with one another and form lasting connections.
“The transformation of this project has really made an impact on this corner of the community,” said Henry. “We’ve seen this building go from a dilapidated, vacant property that attracted blight and bad actors to a place where there is life and families are able to enjoy [it]. All of the challenges have been worth it to see the individuals that live here thriving.”
Partnerships that make a difference
It wasn’t just about renovating a building — it took partners to make the vision a reality. One of the vital collaborators was CATA. In addition to providing bus passes and route maps for residents, CATA replaced two bus stops with covered shelters, ensuring that residents can comfortably wait for their bus.
“Seeing these mission driven community assets come together to say we care about the people that live in your building, and we want to make sure that they have a successful transition, that has been really amazing to see,” she noted. “As they say, it takes a village, and it does.”
T
ransit access: A key to independence
Henry says the CATA bus system is one of the most valuable amenities available to residents. “Public transit empowers our residents to live their daily life. Housing and public transit go hand-in-hand, and public transportation provides a support system and a foundation for individuals that live in our communities.”
One resident, Robert Anselmo, says the opportunity to move into an apartment at The Residences has changed his life. Easy access to the CATA bus system is a bonus. With two stops just outside the doors of his new home, Anselmo says CATA connects him and his fellow residents to the broader community.
“It allows people to get to where they need to go, whether it’s a doctor’s appointment or Dollar Tree down the street,” Anselmo said. “It’s very convenient and it’s become easier to use with the phone.” Anselmo uses the Transit app to track buses in real-time. “It’s incredibly useful. I can plan ahead and know exactly when I need to be at the stop.”
A thriving community, built to last
At The Residences at Walter French, history has not only been preserved, it’s been reimagined, bringing new opportunities for residents to live, work and play in a revitalized community. With the support of CATA and its other partners, this once-forgotten landmark has transformed into a thriving hub, where individuals can enjoy a safe, welcoming space while staying connected to all that the region has to offer.
This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.
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