FISH Student Housing and Retail Building
FISH Student Housing and Retail Building
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How a Community Vision Became a Reality
When the old motel came down on Carson Street, it wasn’t just demolition—it was transformation. In its place now stand two crisp, mirrored apartment buildings and a street-facing commercial structure, forming a new anchor for workforce opportunity and transitional housing in Carson City. At the heart of this initiative is Friends in Service Helping (FISH), a nonprofit with decades of experience lifting people up—and a bold new plan to create affordable housing tied directly to technical training and career development.
PB was honored to join this mission from the earliest design phases, serving as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). The vision was big: provide stable housing and wrap-around services for underemployed individuals, especially single parents, while they pursued college-level technical certificates. The build included 36 apartments and a commercial space housing administrative offices with room for future retail or support services. FISH brought deep community focus to the project—and assembled the funding to match. Through a combination of loans, private grants, and donations raised through their 501(c)(3) organization, they made the project a reality.
Preconstruction That Anticipates the Long Term
From day one, PB brought thoughtful preconstruction services to the table—evaluating systems, materials, and phasing strategies for long-term maintainability and efficient operation. The team’s constructability reviews focused not just on cost and schedule, but on the realities of operating a residential campus that serves community members with evolving needs.
Built to Serve Today—and Tomorrow
In addition to the housing, PB constructed a commercial building fronting Carson Street that now houses FISH’s administrative offices and will eventually offer space for retail or program expansion. This added functionality supports FISH’s sustainability while anchoring the property to the city’s commercial corridor.
A Lasting Impact for Learners and Families
Today, families are moving in. They’re studying for careers in construction management, CDL truck driving, healthcare, HVAC, and information technology through partnerships with Western Nevada College and others. As each participant completes their training, they transition to other housing—making space for the next student and continuing the cycle of growth.
PB is proud to support organizations like FISH who lead the charge in transforming lives. Projects like this one remind us that building well means more than bricks and mortar—it means building systems that serve people.
