If you build it, they will come

Sun, May 18 2008

— By Raymond Billy
rbilly@jacksonvilleprogress.com
While the complex was not completed as soon as hoped, officials from Wilhoit Properties, Inc. are pleased that Jacksonville Pines Apartments will be ready to accept tenants by the end of next month.
Wilhoit — a property management company based in Springfield, Mo. — projected a February open for the $4.5 million facility on 421 Talley Nichols Drive, but the record rainfall of July 2007 proved a major impediment for construction workers.
Now, however, the building process is moving along at a normal pace, said Donnie Volentine, who is managing construction on the project.
“The weather has been holding up very well this year, so, so far so good,” said Volentine of Zimmerman Properties, LLC, which builds most of Wilhoit’s new facilities. Zimmerman is also based in Springfield.
Prospective tenants must meet specific income requirements to qualify for residency in the apartments, which are geared toward moderate and middle income individuals and families. Units are set aside for individuals based on their income group. The 30 percent income group units are designated for people who earn 30 percent or less of the median income in Jacksonville for their household size. The majority of the rooms target those who earn 60 percent or less of the median income for their household size.
Wilhoit will receive tax credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in exchange for offering low-cost dwelling. Wilhoit will make most of its money on the tax credits.
Because construction has not been completed on the building’s leasing center, interested individuals will need to request application appointments in order to seek vacancies, for the time being. Appointments may be made by calling Hampton Chase Apartments — a Wilhoit property in Palestine — at 903-729-6000. The center is expected to be open by the end of March, at which point, people will be able to stop by and apply in person at any time.
Georgienne Rolen, regional property manager for Wilhoit, said interest in the apartments has been keen.
“We’ve had quite a few phone calls already and have set numerous appointments to meet with people who would like to live there,” Rolen said.
Rolen said it is obvious why so many people have expressed interest in the apartments. She said she visited Jacksonville last week and was impressed by what she saw.
“The property looks absolutely beautiful,” Rolen said. “The apartments look like custom houses.
“And, there will be plenty of amenities for residents to enjoy.”
Among those amenities will be two picnic areas, a playground, fitness center and centralized laundry room.
The five building, 68-unit facility will be opened in phases, with one or two buildings opening next month, another two opening in May, and the last building, a 12-unit senior building, to be completed in June. Only individuals 62-years-old or older are eligible for senior vacancies.
As construction on Jacksonville Pines progresses, one local company is reaping financial benefits and another could be brought into the fold soon.
Piney Woods Glass and Mirror was hired earlier this year to implement the facility’s mirror detail. Volentine said Zimmerman also plans to subcontract Jacksonville Fence Co. to handle the building’s pickets.
“We used the fence company during construction on our Palestine property and they are very professional,” Volentine said. “As soon as our fence design is completed by our architects, we plan to hire Jacksonville Fence.”

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