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Print Article"We are at a delicate position, timing-wise, with the owners," Smith said.
The residents have been notified by The Neighborhood Group that moving day is imminent.
"We are looking to help the residents find other housing," said Bill Charcut of The Neighborhood Group. "We're offering to assist with their move and find properties with vacancies comparable to the Pickwick."
Dale Gray, a HUD spokeswoman, said her agency was working with the developer.
"If the owner can find someone willing to acquire the use agreement, it can be transferred to another property," she said. "In addition, the city must agree with the sale and transfer of the use agreement. HUD has been working with the owner for a little over a year to facilitate both."
Smith last summer entered into a contract to purchase the property and has been preparing a redevelopment plan that calls for converting the building into a high-end apartment property. The lower floor would accommodate about 20,000 square feet of commercial space.
The concept calls for leaving the floor plan relatively unchanged but extensively remodeling the smaller apartments in the building to become studio-style apartments with some one-bedroom units. The studios would rent for $700 to $750 per month, with one-bedroom units going for $850 to $900.
Gold Crown has had experience with apartment developments, and its local properties include Villa Medici in Overland Park, Oak Ridge Park in Olathe, and Williamsburg Plaza in Platte City.
