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This house at 162 Tyler St., in Springfield was renovated by students at Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, leading to its sale this week and return to the tax rolls.

(Mark M. Murray / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD — City officials praised students from the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy on Friday, saying their extensive work to renovate a blighted, tax-foreclosed house at 162 Tyler St., in Old Hill, has resulted in its sale and return to the tax rolls.

"I think the Putnam kids did a great job and got some valuable experience," City Treasurer-Tax Collector Stephen J. Lonergan said. "The person buying it got a completely remodeled house. The city gets the house owner-occupied, and it helps the neighborhood. It's definitely a win for all sides."

An auction on Thursday at the house drew just one bidder, Christian Alberto Palma of Springfield, who purchased the house for $35,000, the minimum bid required by the city, officials said.

The $35,000 is sufficient to cover the cost of all materials and non-student labor, said Amber Gould, senior program manager for the city's Office of Housing.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined in praising the project, saying "the students benefit from the hands on experience," while the neighborhood benefits from having a home fully restored, and set to be occupied and maintained.

The project provided work for many students in the carpentry, sheet metal, electrical, heating-venting-air conditioning, and horticulture programs, officials said.

Putnam business student Casey La Croix served as the emcee for the auction, reading the terms and conditions of the auction, and introducing Lonergan as the auctioneer.

Gould said the terms of the sale include that the buyer must live in the home for at least five years.

The work included: framing and finishing an addition to the rear of the property; installation of a new roof; new sheet rock, counters, cabinets, flooring, exterior siding, masonry, and woodworking; installation of a new front porch and rear deck, re-wiring; a new heating-air conditioning system, new gutters and downspots; and landscaping.

The students worked closely with teachers and professional workers throughout the project, officials said.

"The city was happy to collaborate with Putnam for this project and we look forward to more projects like it in the future," Gould said. "This type of project allows students to get hands-on training and at the same time benefit the community."

As a result of the students' efforts, "this property is no longer a blight to the neighborhood, is returned to the City of Springfield tax rolls, and the students developed skills that will benefit their future careers," Gould said.