FARMINGTON -- The new manager at Savannah Park is amazed by the transformation of the apartment complex on Old Depot Road in Farmington.
"It's phenomenal what they've done. They took what they had and made them like new," said Tina Bell, who became resident manager in late January.
Bell came on board at the end of a $1.4 million project to give Savannah Park a complete face-lift.
Savannah Park is a Section 8 federal housing complex available for senior adults and disabled adults based on income. It is owned by Rural Housing of Arkansas and managed by Belmont Management Co., of Fort Smith. Belmont's construction company started the rehab project last June.
Basically, all 36 apartments were gutted and replaced with new laminate floors and carpet, new kitchen cabinets and appliances, new lights, new paint, a remodeled bathroom with walk-in shower and updated ceilings.
The community building was expanded and now includes a computer room with three computers and internet access, exercise equipment, a large TV and kitchen appliances.
The original office was removed and replaced with a larger building. A new wooden arbor and concrete courtyard connect the office and the community building.
Other amenities include a new tornado shelter, matching patio furniture for each apartment, landscaping, a wrought iron fence around the property and two additional dumpsters for trash. The parking lots and sidewalks also were resurfaced.
Lee Winn has lived at Savannah Park for 10 years and she said she was "sorta anxious" as she watched the construction.
Now that it is finished, she said she likes everything.
"It's all new. It's just very nice," Winn said.
She also complimented the construction workers, adding, "We could not have had a nicer bunch of men. We had them for nine months. We kinda were like family."
Anna Bell, who has lived at the complex for two years, moved from her old apartment to her newly remodeled one in October. Like Winn, Bell is happy with all the changes and is already installing concrete stones to enlarge her front patio.
Anna Bell said the residents especially are looking forward to a larger community room. It will be big enough for potluck dinners, movie nights, Christmas parties and games, such as bingo.
"We have lots of ideas," Bell said.
Tina Bell said she's been in other Section 8 housing complexes and has not seen a remodeling project of this magnitude.
She has been most impressed with all the details, such as the landscaping, matching patio furniture and the arbor and courtyard.
"This is a place you want to be," Tina Bell said. "I'm very pleased to be a resident manager here."
Charice Alberty, regional manager with Belmont, said the facility will hold an open house and ribbon cutting sometime in early May. She hopes the public will come out to see the renovated complex.
"It's just beautiful," Alberty said. "It has all kinds of upgrades and updates and is a perfect remodel."
General News on 04/09/2014