FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — "I will tell you that a lot of other developers would have walked away, it's not easy to walk through it. It's unfortunate and heartbreaking that anyone would have to live in these conditions." That's how Yvonne Delgadio described the decaying walls of Arbors of South towne Square, an apartment complex that sits at 7915 Decatur Road. Delgadio is the director of Community Development at Allied Argenta, which is trying to buy and redevelop the complex. "We understand what a challenge and eyesore it has been for the community," Delgadio said. In the course of trying to take on such a large project, California-based Allied Argenta approached Fort Wayne City Council for tax abatements to lighten the financial load. However, the company did so not without showing the city that it is are ready to give the complex a makeover. worth millions of dollars. "The project costs for this particular project are $14,078,947," said Andrea Robinson, economic development administrator with the City of Fort Wayne. Those tax abatements would last for 10 years with 100% of the tax for improvements made being abated for the first five years. It passed by a 6-2 measure Tuesday night with councilmembers Paul Ensley and Scott Myers voting no. The city decided to aid with the improvements to keep and add multifamily housing units in southeast Fort Wayne. Currently city documents indicate the complex only has 26 hospitable apartments out of a possible 214. "I think this is a perfect opportunity for us to eliminate blight and create nice housing for individuals," said At-large Councilwoman Michelle Chambers. Originally, Councilwoman Rohli Booker, who represents the 6th district where the project lies, was against the move. Previously, she voted against introducing the item, but on Tuesday night, she changed her tune. "I had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the company itself, the work that they've done across the country and in Indiana in particular," Booker said. "I learned that they didn't actually have possession of the property, that was something that there was a lot of confusion about ... this abatement is something they're using as sort of a capital stack." Allied Argenta is closing in on the property, but as Booker said, this abatement will give them more financial freedom to acquire and rehabilitate it. If they don't end up buying it the abatement becomes null, and in the eyes of councilmembers, a great opportunity would be lost. "The improvement of this particular apartment complex to habitable, safe quality conditions would just be an overall improvement in that area. To have that 212 or 214 units completely occupied, it would be wonderful," Booker said. The list of improvements and amenities Allied Argenta plans to make to the apartments is extensive: Conversion of 5% existing efficiencies into ADA-compliant units Remodel kitchens by replacing cabinets, fixtures and installing new countertops New Energy Star appliances, and all new microwave hood combo New showers and surrounds New toilets Grab bars in all bathrooms New bath accessories New wall-mounted lavatories in ADA units, vanities in others Install new low-flow plumbing fixtures Install new high-efficiency LED lighting fixtures Upgrade HVAC systems Install new humidity sensor bath fans New interconnected smoke detectors Combo smoke and CO detector in the living rooms New floor LVP in units Repair drywall, patch and paint New window coverings New unit address signs New unit entry doors and jambs New building exterior entrance (2 per building) doors and hardware. Not stairwell doors Radon testing and remediation as needed Free Wi-Fi for all residents Adding first first-floor community room Adding new furnishings to the lobby Updating and improving common areas Updating and improving the camera system Elevator modernization for both buildings Renovate leasing offices Remodel existing community bathrooms Remodel common laundry rooms to include new flooring, lighting, paint, and ventilation Building Envelope and Exterior Renovations Full tear-off and re-roof of both buildings Replace/repair damaged vinyl siding New exterior lighting Replace the glass at the building stair towers Resurface asphalt parking areas and stripe ADA parking signage Landscaping to include noninvasive plants that do not require an irrigation system Fix damaged concrete walkways and upgrade for improved walking surfaces Clean drainage lines from buildings, and main lines on property, replace/line as needed Install new exterior building and directional signage Install a new property monument sign Install new benches Improve site lighting on the grounds and around buildings New trash dumpster surrounds Elevator modernization for both buildings Adding a picnic and BBQ area Allied Argenta plans to close on a purchase of the property as soon as possible and will begin construction a month after closing. At City Council, a company representative said they might not have to relocate residents during construction since there are so many vacant rooms. They'll start rehabbing units that aren't occupied, and then can move residents into those rooms as they continue. Although the company is based out of California, they have several projects in Indiana in places like Indianapolis and Ellettsville. ...read more read less