Complex Gets Long Overdue Sprucing Up

The rusted, wrought-iron gate that for almost 40 years announced to visitors and residents they were entering the Haster Gardens apartment complex was scheduled to be covered for good today. A banner is to be draped across the gate announcing the new name of the complex, Arroyo Vista.

Only a few months after redevelopment specialist Chuck Fry received a $600,000 federal loan to purchase the 148-unit apartment complex, once considered the worst housing in Garden Grove, the $2.5-million in improvements promised are already visible.

Of 17 units currently being rehabilitated, all have new, unfinished-wood patio fences, replacing the broken ones that made the complex look like a ghost town.

All carports have been reroofed, uneven sidewalks have been leveled, the community pool reopened, and the remaining vacant units not being worked on have been cleared of transients and sealed.

“I’ve been involved in several rehab projects,” said Phil Dunford, president of RPM Property Services, “but I think this is the one that has the most potential. It’s nice because of all of the open space and green ways.”

Dunford’s company is in charge of repairs and on Thursday he was overseeing the finishing touches on the three apartments that have been finished for the rededication ceremony today.

New carpet and fresh paint are the first noticeable improvements in the living and bedrooms. The kitchens have new tile, cabinet doors, stoves and dishwashers. The bathrooms have new low-flow toilets, mirrors, shower walls and fixtures, and vanities replace wall-hanging sinks.

Dunford said the major hurdle was getting all of the units under Fry’s ownership.

During the 1990s the complex was divided and sold to 26 private investors. It was during this period that many properties fell into disrepair, leading to lawsuits, tenant strikes and the eventual appointment of a court-appointed receiver to manage the property.

With the assistance of the city, Fry received the Housing and Urban Development loan to purchase the properties. Only two have yet to be acquired, but are in foreclosure with only paperwork pending.

As a condition of the loan, eight units will be reserved for low-income housing applicants. Fry said, however, they will keep all units affordable.

“The expectation is that we’re trying to create a nice, safe place to live,” Fry said. “Someplace for people to be proud of.”

Chris Ceballos can be reached at (714) 966-7440.