Rundown Apartments Will Get a Make-Over

An apartment complex that was the target of a long and successful rent strike is now set for a $2.7-million make-over.

A group of investors is seeking to rehabilitate the 64-unit Town and Country Apartments on North Shaffer Street, Economic Development Director Linda Boone said.

Tenants last year won $45,000 in damages after waging a rent strike for nearly a year over dilapidated conditions, including roach and vermin infestation and plumbing and roofing leaks.

City Council members unanimously agreed Tuesday to arrange bonds for the investors, who call themselves the 1300 North Shaffer Partners, after the complex’s address.

Boone said the bonds for the rehabilitation already are guaranteed and will not cost the city any money.

“A high priority of this department is to improve the existing stock of housing,” Boone said.