The West Hartford Housing Authority and Trout Brook Realty Advisors broke ground Thursday on the renovations to Elm Grove Apartments.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Dec. 1, 2016, for renovations at the West Hartford Housing Authority/Trout Brook Realty Advisors Elm Grove Apartments. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

A long-awaited rehabilitation and renovation project of the 40 units at Elm Grove Apartments is set to begin following a groundbreaking and celebration Thursday.

The two-building complex, located at 11 Grove St. in the Elmwood section of West Hartford, was built in 1978 and is owned by Trout Brook Realty Advisors and managed by the West Hartford Housing Authority. Residents include senior citizens as well as those who are physically challenged.

“Finally this day comes. We have been talking about this for what seems like forever,” said West Hartford Housing Authority CEO George Howell. He said that the project has been in the works since he joined the WHHA in 2009.

“I’d like to express my appreciation for all your patience,” Howell told a group of residents who had gathered in the community room for the celebration.

“Today is a milestone a long time in the making,” said WHHA Vice Commissioner Katy Shafer. “Sometimes we lose sight of how important affordable housing preservation is,” she said. Shafer said that the renovations should ensure that the property is a great place to live for the next 35 years.

Trout Brook Reality Advisors President Bob Wienner also expressed his appreciation to the residents for their patience in awaiting the renovation.

Work will include installation of new appliances and flooring, as well as other updates to kitchens and bathrooms. Common areas, including the laundry and community room, will get makeovers as will the office. Walkways and entryways to the buildings will be redesigned and new landscaping will be incorporated.

The project is estimated to be completed in October 2017 and will be done incrementally with work taking place on nine units at a time, Howell said. Each unit should take six weeks to complete, he said.

Residents will be relocated while the work is being done on their units – either to one of the seven vacant units in the complex or to a nearby hotel. “The West Hartford Housing Authority will move, pack, store, and protect the residents during the process,” Howell said.

The groundbreaking and celebration was also attended by Elmwood Business Association President Rick Liftig, other members of the WHHA Board of Commissioners, and representatives from Quisenberry & Arcari Architects. Renovations will be managed by Newfield Construction and Farmington Bank will be the lender for the project.

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West Hartford Housing Authority CEO George Howell. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Housing Authority Board of Commissioners VP Katy Shafer. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Trout Brook Realty Advisors President Bob Wienner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Elm Grove residents attend the groundbreaking and celebration of renovations to their apartment complex. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Planned renovations to the one-bedroom units at Elm Grove Apartments. Photo credit: Ronni Newton