NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - After more than a decade of sitting empty, the old Notre Dame Church and School here in North Adams finally has a new owner, after the City approved the sale of the property to Moresi & Associates development company at this week’s city council meeting.

Mayor Tom Bernard said, “The track record of re-use and understanding the connection of the history of some of these properties in North Adams, and the future potential of them, and David Moresi and his team are the right partner.”

This is the second time Moresi & Associates has bid on the Notre Dame property. Owner David Moresi said he’s excited to be able to include it in their plans to build new housing units throughout the city.

“The former Notre Dame School, which is in good condition, will be converted to 12 residential units. They’ll be two-bedroom, two-bath units, within close walking distance to the downtown," Moresi said.

The old Notre Dame Church next to the school is on the state’s register of historic places.

Moresi said they’re working on plans to restore and preserve the building.

“When I walked in, when some members of my team walked in, we all had the same thought immediately, that we need to preserve this structure, for both visitors and the residents of North Adams alike to appreciate," Moresi said.

Construction on the project is scheduled to start in 2022. Bernard said once it’s finished, it will be a major part of the city’s plan to revitalize the downtown area.

Bernard said, “That creates positive pressure, I don’t want to say pressure, but positive pressure for retail development, restaurants, recreation, all the things that create the conditions for a really bustling and thriving downtown.”