A project that brought back to life a couple of upper story apartments in downtown Jefferson held its ribbon cutting and open house event Wednesday.

The group of 72 women of the Why Not Us organization hired the same contractor that renovated The Centennial restaurant, Westbrook Construction, to rebuild the two one-bedroom apartments that were on the second floor. Why Not Us President Peg Raney was glad that Westbrook had the low bid because they were comfortable and really liked the work they did on the restaurant. She highlighted the ten foot high windows and higher ceilings, along with a washer and dryer and kitchen appliances are included in each unit. 

Raney talked about her excitement to see this project through to the end.

“We are thrilled to get to this completion. The winter was cold and the winter was long. They actually started last August in the actual renovation of the building. And to get to this point now in March, we’re just really exciting for the community to get to see it and to get some people in there that are just going to appreciate having that view and the nice amenities that they have.”       

Raney emphasized that because their organization was awarded a Community Development Block Grant for Upper Story Housing, the apartments qualify for low-to-moderate income rental rates, with one of the units being $700 per month and the other for $800 per month, without utilities for qualified individuals. Email them at whynotustea@gmail.com or go to Mumma and Pedersen Law Firm for rental applications.