Agency News

The Transformation of 4632 Apple Tree Lane

October 12, 2016

By Laurie Ritter and Laura Cravens

Picture of a woman standing in front of a building.
Laurie, pictured in front of the original building at 4632 Apple Tree Lane.

The building at 4632 Apple Tree Lane served as a location for residential services when first purchased by BCFR in 1991. Some people currently in BCFR’s Supported Living program, including Laurie Ritter, lived there. More recently, the 4-unit, 8 bedroom building has served as rental housing for persons with developmental disabilities.

The chimney at 4632 being demolished as the old building is torn down.
The chimney at 4632 being demolished as the old building is torn down.

Because of structural issues in the 35-year-old building, and as a part of BCFRs new affordable housing project, the building has been demolished. Demolition began as scheduled on the morning of August 31. Progress continued throughout the following days and was completed by the end of the week.

Laurie said she and many others in Supported Living, along with a staff member, used to live at 4632 Apple Tree lane. “We had lots of very good times living over there,” says Laurie. They had lots of parties for birthdays, Christmas, New Years and others. One summer they had a yard sale. Laurie said they liked walking to a nearby supported living site to visit their friends and when it was too cold to walk in the winter, they would talk on the phone. Laurie also said she knew the building was starting to have problems and so she and other residents in supported living moved to a newly renovated apartment building in 2010.

Architect rendering of the new Apple Tree Lane building.
Architect rendering of the new Apple Tree Lane building courtesy of Simon Associates, Inc.

Construction began on the new building in late September and will have 13 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments on one floor. Additionally the building has easy access to public transportation and other community amenities such as parks, restaurants, churches, shopping and more. The new building will be energy-efficient and its universal design will allow for accessibility and aging in place. Sidewalks, landscaping, off-street parking and green space will enhance the neighborhood.