Three decades ago, after the city sold the school to a developer, Old Douglass became an apartment building. It will remain one, but with the addition of FACE’s operation. The building’s owner, Brick Lane, an apartment management and investment company, is making the renovation and expects to have the space ready by late summer. Because Sandtown is listed as one of the city’s Opportunity Zones, Brick Lane is seeking an additional investor to turn the adjoining parking lot, at Calhoun and Cumberland, into an apartment building. Jeff Gross, a Brick Lane principal, says the tax breaks that come with the Opportunity Zone designation also could help pay for the redevelopment Old Douglass’ theater. According to the city’s Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, the theater can seat 1,600.
