In early February, Phil and Marti Hodges found themselves embarking on a journey they thought they had finally finished.
Owning and operating an apartment complex.
And operating an apartment complex, especially one as large as Sunnyside Gardens in Blue Springs, can be a challenge.
“Six years ago we thought we were finished,” Marti said this week. “Now, we’re back at it.”
Outside the main office this week, hammers hammered. Activity was heavy as the Hodges family had begun what they believe is the most significant of renovation projects at the complex since it was first built in 1986.
Before summer’s end, the Hodges expect to spend $700,000 in roof and car port repairs, landscaping and parking lot work. There is also some interior work that’s planned. Two new monument signs, one on R.D. Mize Road and another on Mock Avenue, will soon be erected.
The improvements are their way of announcing their return – a positive announcement considering the last six years.
“There were some issues,” Marti said about prior management, who attempted to purchase the 293-unit complex in early February but could not close the deal.
“I think tenants who were with us at the beginning... they were glad to have us back.”
When they returned in February, they were met with typical but no less discouraging conditions: damage to some of the apartments, pets (which are no longer permitted) and abandoned cars – as many as 12 when Phil first returned.
“It all comes down to the management,” he said.
The Hodges were forward-thinkers back in 1986. From 1985 to 1988, Kansas City was saturated with apartment complexes, Phil said. Owners and managers throughout the area were offering huge incentives at the time, including paid vacations to Las Vegas for a one-year lease.
Even getting an apartment building/complex built in an area that wasn’t saturated was a challenge. That was especially true in Blue Springs.
“We had to wine and dine neighbors to get their blessing,” Marti said. “And the city... that was a challenge. There was a lot of rules, regulations to follow.”
Marti paused.
“Then neighbors saw that they could move their aunt here or some other family member and they welcomed the idea.”
In 1986, the property was at the edge of eastern development in the city. Next door, where Wal-Mart and Home Depot are now, there was a batting cage complex and driving range. Beyond that, as shown in an old photograph they keep in the leasing office, farmland. Rows of trees and bushes.
