LANSING, Mich. — A new plan to revitalize the long-neglected Sycamore Townhomes complex in southwest Lansing has been put forward, offering hope for a much-needed transformation of the deteriorating property.
Attorney John Polderman, appointed as a receiver to address the property’s severe condition, has filed a proposal to invest between $15 million and $16.5 million into extensive renovations. The plan, announced on Tuesday by the Office of Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, aims to restore the 67-building complex located off Waverly Road in the city’s southwest area, which is part of Eaton County.
The proposed renovations would include a complete overhaul of the complex’s current structures, with buildings stripped down to their frames and fully renovated. New roofs would also be installed as part of the plan. The goal is to restore the buildings to a livable and safe condition, offering a fresh start for the complex and its residents.
If approved by a federal judge in Grand Rapids, the renovation process could take up to 18 months to complete. However, the work does not end there. According to Polderman’s filing, it would likely take an additional 18 months for the complex to become fully rentable again after the renovations are finished.
Currently, the Sycamore Townhomes are losing an estimated $100,000 per month due to a high number of unrentable units caused by failing inspections and ongoing structural problems. The complex, which has been plagued by crime, trash, and significant safety concerns, has been in a state of disrepair for years. Reports from 6 News have highlighted issues such as broken windows, kicked-in doors, syringes, and widespread garbage throughout the property.
In recent years, the city of Lansing has struggled to bring the complex into compliance with housing laws. Efforts to work with the New Jersey-based owners, Woodside Meadows, were unsuccessful, prompting city officials to request a court-appointed receiver to manage the complex’s operations. The case, initially brought to Eaton County court, was later moved to federal court after the owners requested the case be transferred, citing their out-of-state business operations.
While federally-ordered receiverships are rare, the court’s decision to appoint Polderman as the receiver last year was seen as a major step forward in addressing the complex’s issues. With the proposed renovation plan, city officials are optimistic that the complex can finally be brought back to a livable standard.
The renovation will require the entire complex to be vacated, which will displace current residents. Polderman’s office has pledged to assist those who are up to date on their rent payments with relocation services, though specific details on what this assistance will look like have yet to be clarified.
Scott Bean, Senior Advisor to Mayor Schor, emphasized the city’s commitment to improving the complex’s condition. “All parties involved are meeting later this week to fulfill a Court rule that requires the parties to attempt to seek concurrence prior to filing the motion. Mayor Schor remains fully committed to any proposal that gets this entire complex back into compliance and makes it safe for residents,” Bean said.
As work continues to move forward, residents and city officials alike are hopeful that the Sycamore Townhomes will soon see a dramatic improvement, providing a safer and more secure living environment for future tenants.
