Waveland’s Gulf Grove Apartments under renovation, expected to open later this year
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Gulf Grove Apartments undergo phased renovation after 2024 condemnation order.
- Construction replaces damaged structures; 100 units may reopen by December 2025.
- New owners invest heavily; rent likely to rise but rates remain undecided.
Termites, black mold, rat infestations and crumbling infrastructure forced Waveland officials to condemn the Gulf Grove Apartments in May 2024. Now under new ownership, the complex is undergoing renovations and could reopen within six months.
Construction is taking place in two phases, with the first expected to open 100 units to renters as early as December, according to Tracey Ross, director of asset management at the Thrash Group.
“We’re working with them to try and get stuff inspected as soon as we can, ”said Waveland Building Manager Chris Carter. “The city is very excited to see the progress and the rehabilitation over there.”
Instead of demolishing the complex, the renovation team opted to replace failing structures. Mold and termite infestations also have been addressed, Ross said.
“For somebody to come in and knock everything down and rebuild, that probably would never happen,” Ross said. “I mean, the only option is to renovate them.”
Brandon Jackson, owner of Jackson Brothers Construction, said renovating the complex was more cost-effective than rebuilding. He believes the structure will last “a long time” after construction is complete.
“It’s definitely going to be an asset to the community. It cleans up the city a lot, and I feel that we’re adding a lot of value,” Jackson said.
Ross said rent may increase, but rates have not yet been finalized.
“It’s not going to be Section 8, but I know it will provide some much needed housing in that area where it is not available,” Ross said.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to have a place to house people and get them off the streets,” Jackson said.
Ross said the Thrash Group is separate from the property’s former owner, Gulf Shores Properties LLC, owned by Michael Brown of New Orleans.
“We have nothing to do with the previous owner. We are putting a ton of money into the project — millions and millions of dollars,” Ross said.
Unsafe living prompted building closure
After the apartments were condemned last summer, residents were given until May 30, 2024, to find new housing.
Beverly Esqivel, a former resident and maintenance employee at Gulf Grove, said that despite some units being abandoned, they were still better than the options residents were offered after the complex was condemned. She said she loved her two years living there.
“I know where some of the people have moved ... and I promise you, it’s 1,000 times worse than what they were living in before,” Esquivel said.
According to the Mississippi Center for Justice, apartments like Gulf Grove can fall into disrepair when residents fear speaking out.
Esquivel said many former residents are looking forward to moving back in once renovations are complete.
“They would love to go back to the apartments, especially the ones that were there forever. But we don’t know what the rent is going to be. We don’t know anything about the new owners and what they’re going to do,” Esquivel said.
