The fourth floor of the former Keith Junior High School is about to undergo a dramatic transformation.
Right now, the space still feels very much like the school many people remember — long hallways, old cafeteria lines, locker areas, and the familiar atmosphere of a building that served generations of students. But soon, these spaces will begin a completely new chapter.
As part of the renovation process, the fourth floor is being redesigned to feel brighter, warmer, and more modern while still preserving the character of the original building.
One of the first improvements will be updating the hallways themselves. The existing ceilings, which currently make the space feel darker and more enclosed, will be repainted with lighter finishes to completely change the atmosphere. Combined with new high-efficiency LED lighting, the entire floor will feel more open, welcoming, and energy-efficient.
The old locker wall panels — remnants of the building’s school days — are also being creatively reimagined as part of the redesign. Rather than simply removing every trace of the past, the project aims to thoughtfully update these features in ways that add personality and character to the finished space.
And at the center of it all is the former cafeteria.
What was once a busy gathering place for students waiting in line for lunch will soon become five newly constructed apartments — including four two-bedroom units and one one-bedroom unit — spread across approximately 7,000 square feet.
The transformation is already underway behind the scenes, with permitting and planning progressing as work moves closer to construction. Support from the city has helped move the project forward, and the vision continues to grow with each stage of development.
More than just a renovation project, this is an opportunity to breathe new life into a historic community landmark. The goal is not only to create beautiful living spaces, but also to preserve an important part of Altoona’s history while giving the building a meaningful future.
As construction continues, the process will be shared step by step — from these early “before” moments to the finished result.
And when the transformation is complete, the fourth floor of Keith Junior High School will look nothing like it does today.
