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Thomas said Christ Temple Church in Huntington played a large part in coordinating and supporting the project.

�����Ƶ�Our city is an exceptional community, and we are so grateful to have a part in adding the extraordinary value and advantage this project will bring,�����Ƶ� said Christ Temple Church Pastor Chuck Lawrence.

Officials called the over $50 million project �����Ƶ�the largest historic tax credit project in state�����Ƶ�s history.�����Ƶ� West Virginia Sen. Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, was credited for working with Cornerstone Development from the beginning of the project on the tax credits and bringing in other partners throughout the region.

�����Ƶ������Ƶ such projects of this nature require substantial financial resources, in addition to significant private act activity, that the use of historic tax credit here illustrates how well vetted, intentional incentives can serve as a transformative regional catalyst,�����Ƶ� Plymale said. �����Ƶ�This groundbreaking is a part of the next chapter, not just of this building, but for our community. And while this building sits at the center of our efforts, it is only one building block.�����Ƶ�

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and received both federal and state historic credits, Plymale said.

With all funding finalized, officials said the project will allow the building to be brought back to life and begin a new legacy to address a critical need in the community by serving as a national model for safe, revitalized and affordable housing for senior citizens.

The plan calls for converting the historic hotel into a 108-unit, income-based housing and health center for seniors. The housing will be those age 62 and older, earning up to 60% of the area�����Ƶ�s median income, with all tenants benefiting from income-based rental assistance.

Prichard�����Ƶ�s first two floors will include a community health clinic managed by Marshall Health Network for residents, but which will also be available to the larger community.

Hospice of Huntington plans to occupy space on the first floor to facilitate a medical day center for aging adults in conjunction with a new facility the organization is currently developing.

�����Ƶ�We are excited to see the transformation of the historic landmark building develop into a hub for excellent senior living and services,�����Ƶ� said Melanie Hall, president and CEO of Hospice of Huntington.

The Metro Area Agency on Aging will house a resource and referral space in the building to create accessible resources to disabled seniors who may have otherwise been unable to utilize this help, according to Brenda Landers, the agency�����Ƶ�s executive director.

�����Ƶ�We look forward to encouraging older adults to lead active and healthy lives in dignity and in full enjoyment of their rights and independence,�����Ƶ� she said.

Officials said the project involves remediation and cleanup of environmental issues, preservation construction, restoration and modernization. They called the process a complex and intricate compilation of more than 11 funding sources merging to compile an executable capital stack that will create more than 200 jobs with multiple local companies during the construction phase.

It is expected to take approximately two years to complete the project, officials added.

Located at 611 9th St. in Huntington, the building was built by real estate developer Fred C. Prichard and managed by veteran hotel man A.E. Kelley. The 13-floor, 120,000-square-foot building opened in 1926 as the Prichard Hotel, offering 300 rooms and glamorous décor to those who visited.

The hotel operations ended in 1970, at which time it was converted into an apartment building with retail space on the ground floor. The building is one of Huntington�����Ƶ�s tallest.