About a year ago, we told you about a grant awarded to improve the crumbling Mount Vernon Manor Apartments in Mantua. Built by HUD in 1978, this complex spans 9 buildings and includes 125 apartment units, all of which are offered as affordable housing. But due to the deteriorating condition of the units, over 50% were vacant just a year ago. As you can see, the buildings weren’t much to look at from the outside either.

In the past

Next week, a ribbon cutting will mark the completion of the first phase of renovations for the complex, which includes 75 of the units. Improvements to the interiors include new modern kitchens and bathrooms, new floors, security systems, improved landscaping, and redesigned facades. There are also five new accessible units that have been incorporated as part of the renovation. We can’t say we’re crazy about some of the design choices they made for the exteriors, but you can’t tell us it isn’t a big improvement over what was here before.

Serious changes

Closer look

No doubt, this project represents a great improvement over what these buildings looked like previously. And with rents generally rising in the area, it’s a definite benefit to see quality affordable housing offered to folks who may need it. It’s amazing to think that these buildings were allowed to fall into such disrepair, but it’s encouraging for both folks in the neighborhood and people just passing through to see this renovation.

The rest of the units in the development will get rehabbed in Phase 2 of the project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2015.