SCRANTON, Pa. — Once filled with classrooms and chalkboards, the former Nativity School in South Scranton could soon be welcoming families again, just in a new way.

The nearly century-old school and adjacent convent are expected to be transformed into 51 apartments.

“This is what we do. We take these old, unusual-use buildings and change them into something that has new life and new vibrancy to the area,” said Desmond Ryder, director of construction and development.

Developer John Basalyga purchased the two buildings from the Diocese of Scranton in 2023, and plans for renovations have been in the works for about a year. The corridor connecting the buildings and the space that used to be a playground is expected to be converted into a shared courtyard.

“We're going to add some green spa

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