ORWIGSBURG -- The former Fessler Knitting factory in Orwigsburg has been empty for about six years, but soon the building will be packed.
Work has already started to turn the place into senior housing. Twenty apartments are being built for people 62 years and older.
"I think there's a good need for elderly housing in Schuylkill County and these things when they're done are beautiful," said Craig Shields, CEO of Barefield Development Corp., the company behind the new project.
The project is about $7 million and is paid for with state housing grants.
The place will also be the new home for the Orwigsburg Area Public Library.
"Hopefully it will help them out and it will be a nice addition to our building right here and a nice addition for the neighborhood," said Shields.
The new Orwigsburg Public Library is basically going to be staying in the building for free.
Shields said both sides worked out a deal for a 99-year lease for $1 a year.
"We're looking forward to it. The library has never had its own home," said Claudia Gross, director of the Orwigsburg Area Public Library.
Not everyone is on board.
The Kelckers have lived across the street from the factory building for 50 years and they're wary about their new neighbors and their cars.
"You can never park and it's been great the last couple of years because we can part almost anywhere," said Wilhelmina Kelcker of Orwigsburg.
The couple said they'll wait and see what happens when the seniors and library moves in.
The contractor expects to have the new apartments ready next summer.
