The university bought from Providence Place the government-subsidized apartment complex, located at 900 Eastchester Drive, last week for an undisclosed price, along with the neighboring Wesleyan Arms assisted-living facility. HPU wants to renovate the properties for as many as 250 student residences. The Wesleyan Homes apartments had been targeted for renovation and student occupation by next fall.
“Prior to the sale of the property, the university was not aware of all of the issues that these residents would have to confront. High Point University cares deeply about these individuals, and we want to ensure that their needs will be met satisfactorily. We want to be as cooperative as possible with these residents and their families,” said Don Scarborough, HPU vice president for community relations.
Several elderly residents and some of their children complained that they were not given enough time to find new places to live.
“I have started looking for my mother and other friends I have there, but there is not that much available,” Tina Hilliard said this week. “Someone needs to step in. They need more time.”
Tom Higgins, Providence Place CEO, said last week that Providence Place will do as much as possible to help Wesleyan Homes residents find other residences. Many may have to acquire government vouchers to move into other rent-subsidized residences.
Wesleyan Arms, the remaining part of the 15.5-acre site in the sales agreement, will be turned over to High Point University as scheduled, Scarborough said.
Many of the Wesleyan Arms residents at 1901 N. Centennial St. will move to Providence Place facilities at Westchester Drive, Higgins said last week. Providence Place is working on an $8 million replacement facility to be ready by October 2011. There is no room for Wesleyan Homes residents at the Westchester site, Higgins said.
There are 69 residents in assisted living and 23 in the life estate residences at Wesleyan Arms.
dnivens@hpe.com | 888-3626
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