Pearl House inching closer to reality as bids will be taken for initial work
Work on recovery housing expected to begin in late July, early August with a completion date a year from now
Brandon Hannahs
ZANESVILLE - The Pearl House has been an endeavor for Muskingum Behavioral Health Executive Director Steve Carrel.
The project has taken six years to reach this point, and the reality is setting in for Carrel after Thursday's pre-bid meeting.
The meeting was about receiving bids for the demolition, utility connections and foundation work of three buildings currently located on the lots at the corner of Third and South Streets in downtown Zanesville.
The first phase costs around $625,000 as it prepares the grounds for a 34-unit, multi-family building. Work will start around late July or early August since the Zanesville Police and Fire Departments will use the site for training, noted Carrel.
The Pearl House is modeled off a similar facility in Lancaster and was developed by Fairfield Homes. It is designed to assist chemically-dependent individuals by providing a place to recover, and can serve people in Muskingum and surrounding counties, including Perry, Coshocton, Licking and Fairfield.
"We've been blessed to face little opposition to this project, and this will be good for the community," Carrel said. "My happiest day is when we have a big shindig and ribbon cutting. It's finally going to be a reality so I'm thrilled about that."
Carrel said the entire cost will be around $7.4 million and take 12 to 14 months to complete.
The funds came from a variety of sources, including special loans, tax credits through banks and taxpayer money.
More on the Pearl House
Pearl House project likely to help downtown redevelopment
Properties to make way for Pearl House
Keeping families together during recovery
Downtown housing drug rehab possible
"We are facing a small shortfall due to COVID-19, but our developer has some ideas on how to handle that," Carrel said. "It's a jigsaw puzzle to put together a project of this size. We've had a lot of partners come together with their areas of expertise to make this happen."
The Pearl House will provide a safe environment for everyone, said Carrel. Amenities include outdoor recreational spaces, keyed front door entry with restricted access, interior and exterior lighting and security cameras, while units will feature energy efficient appliances, central air conditioning and secure intercom entry systems.
Residents sign a lease and can stay as long as they want, but must meet certain criteria regarding their recovery including being willing to find and maintain employment and undergoing substance treatment. Rent is based on income, and special vouchers will be available, noted Carrel.
The Pearl House will also have a case worker, and Fairfield Homes will maintain the property.
Carrel is confident the facility will be utilized when it opens in the spring or summer of 2021.
"Fairfield Homes asked if 34 units was too much, and I told them I could fill it by next week," Carrel said. "Many people trying to recover still live with addicts or in unsafe places, which are not conducive to recovery. This facility allows people in early recovery to get on their feet financially and provide a safe environment for them and their families.
"We will have resources available, including parenting and nutrition classes and a case worker," he added. "We're focused on providing the tools needed so they can get better."
Carrel noted Lancaster has seen plenty of positives. Their facility offers a Head Start program for pre-kindergarten age children and has aided downtown businesses by providing a pool of potential employees.
"The children there are ready for kindergarten so it's paving the way for the future," Carrel said. "Many downtown businesses have found prospective employees, and the families are engaged in the community. It is working there, and we hope to see similar things when we're ready here."
bhannahs@gannett.com
Twitter, @brandonhannahs