Saskatoon flophouse transformed into affordable housing

It's a building that Ernie Louttit knew all too well from his days as a street cop.

He can't count the times he had to respond to calls at 525 20th Street West, doing a hot entry with his gun drawn and adrenaline pumping.

So it was strange, and gratifying, to get invited to the re-opening of the building in its latest incarnation: Showcase for affordable housing.

"To come back here and see the community revitalized, it's very uplifting, it just feels good, that's the best way I can put it," he said.

Stewart Properties transformed the building's grotty apartments into affordable housing suites.

Tyler Stewart says it became a labour of love.

"You know when people and developers say, well, you know rule number one in real estate, don't get emotional?," he said.,

"We're on the other end of the spectrum. This is our life."

It can accommodate 12 families.