TOLEDO — The Cowlitz Indian tribe’s bid to move its lower-income members into better homes is starting a building boom in southern Lewis County.

The tribe is putting the finishing touches on a $5 million renovation to turn part of the historic St. Mary’s Catholic school and convent into a senior housing project, and officials plan to build about 30 homes on 10 acres in Toledo.

The 30-unit St. Mary’s complex is on track to be completed within the next month. Residents could start moving in by June, said Larry Coyle, housing director for the Cowlitz Indian tribe.

“Our first goal when we started was the seniors,” Coyle said.

The project is funded through annual federal housing grants the tribe began receiving when it won federal recognition nine years ago. This year the tribe received $1.93 million through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and will get an additional $790,000 in economic stimulus money. JH Kelly of Longview is the general contractor.

St. Mary’s Mission was founded in late 1830s. The classroom annex, which was built in 1927, has been turned into compact one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. A wing that once was the nuns’ quarters has been broken up into studios.

“We’re hoping to have a village-type environment,” said Bob Bouchard, who manages the apartments.

Bouchard said some tribal members already have expressed interest in the units, although applications aren’t yet being accepted.

As one project winds down, a larger one is about to begin.

Development could begin late this year on the 10-acre site on the northern edge of Toledo, just off the Toledo-Vader Road between Jackson Highway and Plomondon Road. Coyle said those homes will be a mix of single-family houses and duplexes and will be targeted toward lower-income buyers. Infrastructure will cost about $1.3 million, and building costs for each house will be in the $200,000 range, Coyle said.

The projects are part of a larger effort to improve living conditions for some of the 3,663 tribal members. The tribe’s housing department helps members with everything from home ownership counseling to rent payments. The tribe currently pays rent for 44 members who are attending college, said Gary Lowe, occupancy specialist and counselor for the tribe.

Coyle said one of the problems he faces is convincing people to accept the services.

“We’ve got a lot of proud people out here and they won’t admit they need help,” he said.

The tribe expects to invite state legislators to an open house once the St. Mary’s renovation is completed.