Apartments Get New Lease on Life

In recent years, the Island Village Apartments had become run-down, a rarity in the booming housing market.

But Wednesday, officials of the low-income housing agency Many Mansions Inc. will dedicate the refurbished apartments, now known as the Villa Garcia Apartments.

Many Mansions spent $9 million to renovate the 80-unit complex, which will feature two-bedroom apartments for $800-a-month rents. Some two-bedroom apartments in Thousand Oaks, housing officials said, can run $1,400 a month.

The complex, at 1379 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., has undergone a dramatic change, said Lisa Safaeinili, the organization’s resource development director.

Repairs began last year. Residents were moved to another apartment complex during renovation.

The complex was built in the early 1960s, but because of overcrowding and poor management it had deteriorated into one of the city’s worst eyesores.

“It’s totally been rehabbed,” Safaeinili said. “It had gotten very run-down and was neglected. Water would leak in when it rained. The gas was leaking.”

Next week, workers will put on the finishing touches, installing carports, Safaeinili said. When residents start moving in, they will find a marked change.

“They had three families living in one unit, which is why they would never complain,” Safaeinili said. “There was major crowding going on. It was a gang property. But all the gang members have been removed. Now it’s a safe, affordable place for families.”

The renovated apartment complex was named for Marty and Eileen Garcia of Newbury Park, who have sponsored many needy families over the years and helped them pay rent and other bills.