Inside Look: The much-anticipated renovations at Richmond's Midlothian Village
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - After years of complaining about the dire conditions at the former Midlothian Village Apartments, residents say they're finally seeing change. NBC12 got an exclusive look at the renovations underway at the now Belt Atlantic.
California-based Community Preservation Partners, a developer that specializes in revitalizing affordable housing projects, bought the complex earlier this year.
Every single one of the 216 units is going to be completely renovated, according to Seth Gellis, the Vice President of Development at CPP. The apartments will have new flooring, paint, appliances, stone countertops and plumbing. The buildings will have new siding, windows, and roofing. Several have already been completed.
It's not just a physical upgrade for Charlene Frooks, who has lived at the complex for eight years. Frooks says it's hopefully a better quality of life.
"I've been out here eight years, and I've never seen this being improved like it is now," said Frooks.
The problems at the former Midlothian Village Apartments mounted for years. The complex, dating back to the early '70s, was known for violent crime and maintenance issues.
"We used to have mouse problems, mold problems, water ... ceilings falling in. They're improving all that," said Frooks. "It has been a mess. But it's wonderful now. They've done a great job."
Community Preservation Partners specializes in revitalizing dilapidated properties. Since taking over in January, CPP started a $12 million renovation.
"This is a challenging property because of the history of crime and the condition that the units were in," said Gellis.
Despite the uphill battle, CPP has already installed a brand-new security system, implemented routine landscaping and trash pick-up, smoke alarms and new AC units.
"For us ... people matter," he said.
Complete renovations are set to be finished in a year. Rent will not be going up due to any upgrades or improvements.
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