Mill Building Converts to Living Facility

PATERSON, NJ-Straight & Narrow, a local not-for-profit outreach organization, is converting a portion of a 120,000-sf, three-story mill building at 380 Straight St. for use as a living facility for people enrolled in the group’s programs. Some 45,000 sf is being renovated to include 52 single-bed units, administrative offices and community medical support facilities.

Poskanzer Skott Architects of Ridgewood, NJ prepared the master plan and drawings for the project, and is providing construction administration services. Completion is scheduled for early next year.

Most of the workers on the project aren’t construction professionals. According to Larry Skott of Poskanzer Skott, “80% of the labor, including an on-site construction manager, is being provided by Straight & Narrow. Professionals, such as masons, only comprise 20% of the construction team. Working alongside, they teach the people within the program specific skills.”

S&N was founded in 1954 by the Paterson Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church as a residential treatment program for indigent male alcoholics. The program has been broadened over the years into a comprehensive social service, healthcare and community development agency for men, women and juveniles.