Among the many people speaking at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Cottages at Cathedral Square in Belleville Oct. 16 was cathedral’s rector, Msgr. John Myler.

The $6 million project has been envisioned for a number of years, and with advice from St. Patrick Center in St. Louis and grant and tax credit financing, the 16 one-bedroom and 16-two bedroom units for people 62 and older who meet Department of Housing and Urban Development income guidelines is ready for more occupants.

At the time of the ribbon cutting 10 of the units were already occupied, with Cathy Becker and her daughter, Monica, ready to move in within a few weeks.

Cathy Becker said she and her husband, the late Deacon Robert Becker had been planning the move together, but now it will be a bittersweet change for her and her daughter. Deacon Becker died Aug. 20, 2015.

Msgr. Myler said the property had changed throughout the years, going from a brewery, to a neighborhood with houses to a pants factory, but Msgr. Myler said: “Everything changes.”

Eventually, a convent was built for sisters ministering at Cathedral Grade School and the parish but was razed when the cottages were to be built.

“Thanks to the vision of Cathedral parish councils and St. Patrick Center in St. Louis,” Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation and Touchette Regional Hospital and others, “things surely have changed,” Msgr. Myler said.

Sister Carol Markus, SSND will manage the cottages, helping residents with their needs.