MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After years of outcry over safety, sanitation and neglect, people living in the Medical District's Memphis Towers have new ownership.
The Memphis Tower’s Tennant’s Union said the Memphis’ Health, Education, and Housing Facilities Board issued outgoing owner Millennia Companies a legal notice of default during their February meeting.
New ownership Richman Asset Management met with tenants at Wednesday’s HEHFB meeting, assuring them that things will be different.
Tenants who spoke with ABC24 said they are cautiously optimistic but added that actions speak louder than words.
“Don’t step on my neck looking to make your money,” tenant Robert Blake said during the meeting’s public comment period. “We’re just looking for a nice place to live.”
Tenants said Richman held a barbeque to meet tenants and talk about their individual concerns.
“They seem like they’re good folks and they’re actually going to start fixing this building up,” said renter William Tuggle. “We’re tired of living like we have been for years.”
Richman takes over the apartment complex after complaints of broken elevators and air conditioning, lingering mold, bug and rodent infestation and lax security by Millenia that go back to at least 2022.
“Our priority right now is to get the building finished, get everything stabilized, get all the bills paid, put management in place the tenants deserve and put services in place that tenants deserve,” said Richman president Brian Myers.
Richman has already added uniformed security, started looking into the building’s security camera issues and checking which units are infested with bed bugs.
“They look like they’re concerned,” said tenant Joice Warren. “I just pray it’s genuine.”
Myers said they want tenants involved and already spoke with members of the MTTU about the possibility of regular meetings to discuss their problems.
Others aren't convinced.
“There was a lack of consultation with us when they took over ownership of the building, and there’s just a lack of transparency in general,” said tenant Becky Scott, who plans on moving out.
Myers welcomes the scrutiny.
“Hold us accountable and be skeptical,” he said. “We’ll get it done.”
The HEHFB is giving Richman one month to put together a presentation for the board showing their progress and giving a reason to allow Memphis Towers to retain its PILOT status.