THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 27, 1996 TAG: 9601250312
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY CHRISTINA PROCTOR, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 104 lines
Plaza Apartments, a fixture in Virginia Beach for over three decades, is getting a much needed facelift. The three-street complex, managed by Drucker & Falk, is in the process of completing a renovation in excess of 1.5 million dollars.
``Our goal is to provide moderately priced, quality housing,'' said property manager Stewart Bazemore. ``The renovation of Plaza Apartments is a good example of how a property can be repositioned in the marketplace and continue to serve long-term residents.''
Part of the repositioning involves changing the reputation of the apartments and surrounding communities.
``We believe the renovations will positively impact the surroundings communities,'' said Bazemore. ``The upgrade has the impact to drive the rest of the area, especially with the resurgence of commercial activity in the area - like the HQ being built on Virginia Beach Boulevard and a new Lowe's at Chimney Hill.''
Bazemore said Drucker & Falk is trying to stabilize the property by upgrading from low-income housing to moderate-income housing while attracting residents who can ``tolerate rent mobility.'' Bazemore said rent increases for existing residents were limited to $30.
The location of Plaza Apartments was one of the reasons behind the influx of funds for improvements. Nestled just off Virginia Beach Boulevard and Plaza Trail, with quick access to the now toll-free Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway, the apartments can boast proximity to the Oceanfront, shopping and downtown Norfolk.
The facelift included exterior vinyl siding, insulation, Thermopaned windows, new patio doors and new air-conditioning units. Hallways were opened into breezeways and new tiled flooring was installed.
Safety was increased by the addition of more exterior lighting by the Virginia Power Watchlight program. The improvements have helped decrease residents' utility bills, which Bazemore said will offset any rent increases required.
The renovations continue on the interior. Kitchens are being completely redone with new appliances and cabinets in increments of four apartments per month. New laundry machines are also being installed in each building.
The Plaza offers four floor plans that include two bedrooms, regular with 748 square feet, and large with 902 square feet; one bedroom with 608 square feet; and three bedrooms at 1,008 square feet. The rent ranges from $430 to $525 with water and sewerage included.
Bazemore said the renovations also include landscaping with new plantings and low-level fencing.
The Hampton Roads Apartment Management Association awarded Plaza Apartments the Community Award of Excellence in Professional Property Management last fall. The award was based on curb appeal, energy efficiency, and overall upgrades.
Pypatchia Mitchell, 33, and mother of three, has lived at Plaza for 4 1/2 years and is glad to see the the apartments taking on a new exterior.
``When I first came here it was kind of rough,'' said Mitchell. ``But, I've seen a lot of improvements. If you have problems, the management is right there. There is a lot of input from the community.''
Mitchell also works within the community at the Head Start program. Plaza donated one unit for Head Start and all the children involved are residents.
Bazemore said Drucker & Falk is striving to help develop a sense of community with such efforts. One unit is also designated for community functions and the residents' association.
The management schedules regular functions like the ``back to school bash,'' which more than 500 residents attended, cookouts at the pool, and a safe Halloween within the community that included $150 worth of candy for the children.
Plaza boasts many long-time retired residents as well as young families. Waren Harding Smith Sr., 74, has lived in three different apartments since his move with hils wife, Evelyn Smith, in September 1980. Evelyn died in 1992.
Smith, a retired Navy veteran, said he was glad to see the uplift in his neighborhood.
``In the past I've had to call the cops a few times before for disturbances, but it's not like it used to be and it's not as noisy,'' Smith said. ``The extra lighting has definitely helped make the community safer and the improvements only raised my rent $10.''
Smith said he intends to continue renting at the Plaza and plans to move to a newer model as soon as possible. ``Everything I need is close by,'' Smith added.
Ann and Henry Johnson have lived at the Plaza in various units for 18 years and like the convenience of close shopping. The couple said the improved insulation has given them a savings on their heating bills.
``We don't drive anymore so the close shopping is essential; besides we don't like to move either,'' said Ann with a laugh.
Assistant manager Lorraine Bailey said the Plaza's success with long-term residents comes from the management's willingness to act on problems.
``They see we care because we're doing it,'' said Bailey. ``It's not just talk.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color cover photo by Richard L. Dunston
Staff photos by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
Plaza Apartments in Virginia Beach received a facelift and was
landscaped so the complex can attract middle-income tenants.
Interiors of the 30-year-old units were redecorated. New exterior
lighting has reduced crime.
by CNB