Developer Manny Makhoul marked the completion of a 14-unit apartment complex he has been renovating in Easton with a ribbon cutting today.
Developer Manny Makoul completed a renovation project that transformed this building into a 14-unit apartment complex in Easton. (Photo By Brian Pedersen) –
Makhoul, owner of Makhoul Electric in Allentown, converted the former Easton Area School District administration building at 811 Northampton St. into luxury apartment units.
The site is in the West Ward section of the city.
Makoul said he has also completed several restoration projects in the valley, including an 18-unit apartment building on 324 N. Sixth St. in Allentown and an eight-unit project on Washington Street in Northampton.
“I like restoring old, historic buildings,” Makhoul said.
Makhoul said the former school building in Easton had been vacant for at least seven years and had completely deteriorated inside.
One of the challenges he faced was trying to maintain the historic features on the outside of the building while also ensuring it complied with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The building now has 12 studios, one 1-bedroom unit and one ADA-compliant unit, he said.
Rent for the units range between $900 and $1,100 per month, he said. He has several signed leases from tenants, he added.
The renovations included adding full-size cabinets to the units as well as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and vinyl floors. He said he also installed drywall on the ceilings and soundproofed them.
He did not have the estimated construction cost for the project.
Makhoul said he used his own construction firm, County Restoration, to complete the project and hired local subcontractors.
He bought the building in January 2018 for $200,000 under the name Bella Holding LLC, according to Northampton County property records.
