Two things have remained constant this summer in Athens: a never-ending flow of stories about both city and university construction, renovation and demolition projects and the ability of new Ohio University President Roderick McDavis to at least give the appearance that he is thoughtfully looking into the actions of the past regime as opposed to simply rubber-stamping previous decisions. A case confirming both points involves the Mill Street Apartments. These apartments were given a death sentence in 2000 (with four of 12 buildings being torn down four years ago), and finally, four years later, the wrecking ball was supposed to condemn the remaining buildings to a swift demise at the close of the 2003-04 school year. However, McDavis gave the apartments a reprieve about two weeks ago, wishing to actually tour them before having them destroyed.
Whether or not the 35-year-old apartment complex deserves to be torn down is open to debate. The university decided to tear them down after claiming the apartments were crumbling and would require some $14 million in funds to adequately repair. A local investor group, however, estimates that the apartments could be renovated for somewhere between $2-4 million. So, while the apartments clearly are in need of some type of repair, the university would be wise to at least consider renovating the buildings. The interest of that group (Whitestone Mill Street, LLC) is evidence enough that the apartments are likely worth more as currently composed than they are as a pile of rubble. Former residents were also against the destruction of the buildings. A petition signed by more than 100 residents was circulating in February, and many seemed baffled as to what was wrong with the apartments they were living in.
Perhaps OU and McDavis will eventually decide to tear the apartments down, but now they will do so with at least a bit more of an understanding of what they are going to be missing. With the interest of investors, conflicting reports as to how expensive repairs would be and a group of tenants who didn't understand what was wrong with the apartments, a second look is certainly warranted.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board. Send comments to posteditorial@ohiou.edu.
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