Empty Pawtucket Apex Building Gets A New Lease On Life

PAWTUCKET, RI — It has already been years since the city announced it purchased the distinctive pyramid-shaped Apex property on Main Street for just under $17.7 million — but the abandoned building has finally found a new purpose.

The tug-of-war of the 12 acres of prime downtown real estate finally ended in late April, when the Pawtucket City Council passed a resolution allowing the mayor to lease the building to a nonprofit called Sleep in Heavenly Peace, accoding to a document obtained by WPRI.

The organization, which has nearly 300 chapters nationwide, is made up of "a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families," according to its website.

The city and nonprofit have agreed on a sublease for the use of around 3,000 square feet previously used as the Apex "Garden Center" at the 100 Main Street property, the resolution document states.

The nonprofit said it plans to use the leased property to store tools, wood and bed linens to be used for the beds that they make.

So far, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has delivered more than 200,000 beds nationwide, the organization announced at the end of April.

"Too many boys and girls go without a bed – or even a pillow – to sleep on," Sleep in Heavenly Peace said on its website. "These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health ... All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads."