Eyesore Apartments On South Side Finally Being Torn Down

Bring on your wrecking ball

​Tomorrow is D-Day for the blighted Park Place Apartments at 7410 Park Place. D as in demolition, as the city announced today it has finally won the long battle to tear down the 43-unit complex.

Demolition begins 9 a.m. tomorrow.

"This is one of the worst examples of neglectful ownership that I have seen" Mayor Annise Parker said. "The property is a neighborhood eyesore and a public safety risk. The owner has been given numerous chances to makes repairs or demolish. Each time he has failed to act. His time has now run out."
 
A last-ditch effort to stave off demolition via bankruptcy court has apparently failed, and the eyesore is doomed, officials say.

That's good news for the neighborhood, says city councilmember James Rodriguez, who represents the district.

"This complex has been a nuisance and haven for crime," said Council Member Rodriguez.  "In addition, the green, stagnant water in the neglected swimming pool is an unsanitary and dangerous situation.  When I first ran for city council, the residents of this neighborhood made it very clear to me that they wanted the property brought up to code or demolished as soon as possible.  I am glad to work with Mayor Parker on the removal of dangerous buildings like this so that families can reside in safe neighborhoods free of hot spots for criminal activity."

There are asbestos issues involved with the demolition -- the buildings are too structurally unsafe to let workers in for abatement -- but the city says it is taking "extra precautions" to prevent it spreading.


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