They didn't break ground because of the storms, but those who live and work on the Near North side kicked-off the transformation of what used to be Winona Hospital.

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A new residential development will go up at the site of the hospital that closed suddently eight years ago, leaving behind what almost turned into environmental disaster. The city demolished what was left of the building and cleaned up the property last year, and two buildings with a total of 50 apartments will be built on the site by TRex Enterprises, a partnership of the Whitsett Group and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The homes will have rents affordable to those who earn less than 60-percent of the median income in the area.

Children's Museum president Dr. Jeffrey Patchen says the museum is proud to help develop safe neighborhoods near it's grounds, saying he loves seeing happy families both in and around the museum.

Carlos Permell, who lives in nearby Mapleton Fall Creek and was on a focus group for the Winona development, says the Children's Museum's involvement was vital given it's prominency on the Near North Side. He says this will help bring vibrancy back to an area that is trying to recover from the loss of thousands of residents over the last 40 years.

Construction is underway, and residents are expected to be able to move in by next Fall.

@WIBC_RaySteele