Detroit Developer Overhauls Warren Apartments

A 342-unit apartment complex in Warren is getting a $3 million renovation.  Formerly known as the Warren Plaza Apartments, the property was acquired by Real Estate Service Solutions Company (www.ressco.com) of Detroit in March 2007 and has been undergoing a transformation ever since.

The newly named “Hoover Square” is located on the northeast corner of 10 Mile Road and Hoover.  One- and two-bedroom units rent for $599 - $709.  Improvements include new plumbing, windows, siding, entry doors, roofs, and landscaping.  Unit renovations include new ceramic tile and carpet, kitchen cabinets and bath fixtures.  Hallways and staircases have been freshly painted; the pool was open last summer for this first time in at least two years and an intercom system for securing entryways will be installed soon. 

RESSCO President and CEO Shawn Stafford admits that the property is the largest his company, formed in 2000, has rehabilitated.  However, he feels that they have made significant progress in improving the buildings while increasing the quality of life for tenants.  Says Stafford, “This project is a win-win for the residents and for the City of Warren.”

A pproximately 50 percent of the apartments were vacant or occupied by tenants in default of their leases agreements when RESSCO assumed ownership. 

Today, the property is at 85 percent occupancy.  Says Stafford, “This is a nice apartment complex located in a great city.  It is in a good school district (Warren Woods Public Schools), is close to expressways and there are numerous places to shop and dine nearby.  Our goal is to make this a solid, safe and affordable place for hard-working individuals to call home. ” 

Cleaning Up The Image
Warren Plaza Apartment was the center of negative media attention in recent years.  Reports of raw sewage in basements, drug dealing, vagrants, vandalism and dangerous living conditions had tenants and city officials up in arms. 

Stafford says that one of his first orders of business was to issue a no-nonsense policy when it came to resident accountability.  “We are implementing tough rules to fix up the property to keep it clean and safe.  We do not tolerate illicit activity in our community and we have – and will continue to – evict people who  aren’t contributing to the sense of community we want to create.”

He also introduced himself and his on-site team to the Warren Police Department to elicit their support and assistance.  The strict tenant policies, combined with increased police presence, are working. 

According to Executive Lieutenant of Patrol Services Kevin Sommers, while violent crimes at the complex are down, calls to the police department are up.  “Statistically, when a neighborhood begins to undergo an improvement through a resident watch program, calls to the police department go up.  This occurs because residents have greater faith in the police department and feel more empowered to be a part of the solution.  We welcome the increased calls and will continue to work with management and residents to keep this area moving forward. “