MANSFIELD — New owners of the Chelsea Square Apartments have begun a $3.5 million renovation project at the 291 Cline Ave. property, according to property manager Stephanie Zader.
Over the next several months, every apartment unit will be updated, and exterior improvements are anticipated to enhance the property’s appearance.
“I think, this is great for Mansfield. This is one place in this area that’s kind of been neglected, and I think by updating it, it will completely change the area,” Zader said.
She became property manager after the property was purchased by new owners in November.
Already, more than $400,000 worth of renovations are underway. This includes new carpet and paint in hallways, where the old carpet was no longer sticking to the floor, and new paint, carpet, counter tops and sometimes appliances in the units.
Appliances are to be repaired or replaced as needed.
“Chelsea Square has been neglected for awhile. There were a lot of repairs that could have been made and should have been made but weren’t,” Zader said. “As we took over management of the property, we decided that renovating the units was the best option. It will improve quality of life for the residents.”
Ten units are expected to be completed by the end of March, and 70 of the 100 in total are to be renovated by the end of May. The others will be addressed directly afterwards.
As for the exterior, improvements include concrete repair, re-paving and striping, new signage, outdoor lighting, security cameras and fencing repair and replacement. Additionally, the property will be landscaped.
At a later time, a management office might be constructed and recreation areas, such as a dog park or grilling spaces, might be added. The property is approximately seven acres, Zader said.
Immediately after purchasing the property, the new owners also covered the cost of radon mitigation, mold remediation and a $50,000-plus electrical upgrade.
All renovations have been and are expected to be completed without displacing tenants.
Rents have already been raised under the new owners. Zader said this was “overdue,” as they hadn’t been raised in “a long while.”
New rent prices range from $500 for a one bedroom apartment and $750 for a two-bedroom townhouse. Tenants are also responsible for gas and electric bills. All units include water, sewer and trash.
No further increases are anticipated for now.
According the the Richland County Auditor’s website, the new owners are listed as 291 Cline Ave., LLC. Zader confirmed the new owners live out-of-state, but says they are “very dedicated” to improving and maintaining the property and do visit the property.
The renovations will be celebrated and a new name will be announced for the apartment buildings in late April.
“When these were built, they were the place to live in Mansfield. I’d like to get back to that,” Zader said.
● Radon Mitigation (done)
● Electrical upgrade: replacement of every outlet and switch in every unit/building (in progress)
● Concrete Repair
● Parking Repairs: striping and paving
● Previously unaddressed maintenance (in progress)
● Fire Extinguishers: repair and/or replace (in progress)
● Stucco
● Laundry Room: Mold remediation and remodel (in progress or done)
● Hallways: paint, replace lights and carpet (in progress or done)
● New Sign (in progress)
● Landscaping
● Outdoor Lighting (in progress)
● Security Cameras
● Fencing: repair and replacement
● Recreation: possible ideas are grilling areas and a dog park
● Onsite management & maintenance
● 2 bedroom, 1 1⁄2 bathroom Townhouse
○ $750 + gas and electric.
○ Includes water, sewer, and trash.
● 3 bedroom, 1 1⁄2 bathroom Garden Apartment
○ $625 + gas and electric.
○ Includes water, sewer, and trash.
● 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Garden Apartment
○ $575 + gas and electric.
○ Includes water, sewer, and trash.
● 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Garden Apartment
○ $500 + gas and electric.
○ Includes water, sewer, and trash.
