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 Since then, Anderson has been working to change the cosmetic
appearance of the complex, improve the quality of the housing, and
attract young, working-class families who need safe, clean and
affordable housing as they build for their future.
When Windemere was built over 30 years ago, it was tagged as a
government-subsidized rental under Section 236. Section 236 allowed
for tenants to pay reduced rents, based on income, and generally at
a rate of about 30 percent of their monthly gross earnings.
Over time, Section 236 has gone to the wayside, but Section 8
housing is still a very popular government program offered by a wide
variety of landlords.
Anderson said that under these sections, the structures
themselves were not built to the highest of standards. While
construction was solid, materials such as windows and doors were
generally the least expensive product on the market.
When Rivendell took over Windemere Estates, the new owners
removed themselves from the government programs. Anderson said this
gave them an opportunity to change the rent fee structure and make
physical changes to the property as they deemed necessary rather
than according to what the government said had to be done.
She explained that being government-regulated meant the complex
was subject to inspection. When inspections were done, there would
be a list of projects based on government-established regulations.
For Anderson the frustrating part of this was the fact that many
times these regulations involved doing the same things over and
over.
"They would come in and say you have to do this and this and
this. Then the next year they would come back and say you have to
undo it," she said.
As the new owners of the property, Rivendell set out to address
windows and flooring as some of the first issues.
Anderson said she is doing three apartments a month, upgrading
them with new energy-efficient windows. She's choosing products that
are attractive, will lower energy costs for the tenant and add to
the overall aesthetic appeal of the apartments.
In addition, apartments are getting new wood laminate floors.
Such flooring is currently a popular choice for renters, as it is
attractive and easier to maintain than carpeting.
Anderson is also doing a lot of work on the grounds of the
complex. She's solicited the help of her mother, Ruth Fredericks,
who is now the complex's official gardener.
Fredericks said she's working on several projects right now to
enhance the landscape. Shrubs and trees are being planted, and
blooming plants are being added around the grounds.
A project that is on the list for Fredericks includes planting a
large number of tall evergreens on the north side of the complex.
Currently the north edge of the property butts up against a small
field where crops are raised. Immediately to the north of the field
are Feldman Drive and the Route 66 loop around the city, both
high-traffic roads.
Anderson said that putting evergreens in that area will improve
the look of the property and will also offer some sound barrier from
the busy roads.
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Other items on the "to do" list include a future playground area
for resident children and a community patio area.
Anderson said she wants to add the patio area with room for
tables and grills to encourage a sense of community at the complex.
"It's something we already see out here, and we want to encourage
it. In the evening you come out here and you see kids out playing in
the yard, their parents outside visiting with each other while they
watch their kids. We want to give them nice places to play and to
spend time together as family and neighbors," she said.
When Rivendell established set rent rates with no government
assistance, Anderson said they did lose some renters, but that was
OK.
"Some didn't want to pay the full price, and we expected that,
but the fact is our rents are still very reasonable for
working-class families and among the lowest in town," she said.
Anderson also said that the rents they charge include not only
sewer, as required by the city of Lincoln, but also water and
garbage.
In addition there is a full-time, in-house maintenance person,
Joe Grimes, so when something breaks, help is available immediately.
Anderson said one of the biggest obstacles the facility faces in
moving away from government housing is overcoming the reputation
that goes along with the "low-income housing" label.
It is a stereotypical stigma that works on the concept of one bad
apple spoiling the whole bunch. There are many struggling families
who are working but still need what government subsidies can offer.
But there are those few who have learned how to work the system.
They are the ones who are oftentimes loud, troublemaking or even
dealing in illegal activities. Anderson said these are the people
who have no place at Windemere Estates.
"I won't tolerate it," she said. "I know who belongs here and who
doesn't. When I see people coming in here that I know are involved
in drugs or other activities, I run them off. I won't have it here.
"I intend for Windemere to always be a safe place for families,
for children," she concluded.
Anderson said the upgrades going on now will probably take
another two years to complete.
Once the facelift is complete, Anderson thinks a name change may
be in order. She's not sure yet what that name might be but noted
that the name of the investment firm, Rivendell, comes from "Lord of
the Rings."
"Rivendell is the home of the Hobbits," she said, "so who knows,
maybe one day we will have Hobbit Lane or something like that."
Currently there are eight apartments available at Windemere.
Anderson said anyone who wishes to look at an apartment can contact
her, and they should be aware that lessees are subject to background
checks.
[By NILA SMITH] Visit
LDN
Classifieds for contact information for Anderson at Windemere
Estates.
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