HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After years of problems at an abandoned Spring Branch apartment complex, we will soon learn more from the city about its demolition and what will come next for the property.
The large complex near Gessner and Westview used to be the Park on Westview apartments. It was already abandoned when a huge fire broke out at the property in 2021.
People who live around here told ABC13 they thought it would either be repaired or torn down, but for years, neither has happened.
Instead, neighbors explained that the abandoned apartments have become a haven for squatters and drug activity.
Eyewitness News has also reported on several fires at the abandoned complex.
At the scene of a fire last October, a district chief with HFD explained even with no water on the property, they have made enough calls out here, they know just what to do.
“We’ve gotten so good at making a fire here, we know what hydrant we can utilize that will give us good water. It’s almost to the point that guys know what to do without being told,” HFD District Chief Robert Branch explained.
Last fall, the TIRZ in this area spent $19 million of taxpayer money to buy the property. The city has said it will cost about $2 million for demolition.
The city has said that demolishing the complex will be helpful with flood mitigation, in addition to the overall safety of the neighborhood.
They also say they are planning to use the land to build a new fire and police station.
At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Mayor John Whitmire and several other city officials are set to share more details about the future plans for the property.
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