ST. LOUIS — Displaced residents of Heritage House were left with less than a week to figure out living arrangements after receiving a letter notifying them that the Midtown high-rise apartment building would likely remain closed for over a year.
In an unsigned letter to tenants dated Tuesday, the Heritage House Corporation board of directors said that "due to the damage caused by the frigid weather, Heritage House will not be habitable again by residents for some time, likely up to a year or more."
Because of the massive flood damage at the apartment building, the board of directors said in an initial letter to displaced residents that it would pay for them to stay at the downtown Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark until 11 a.m. next Tuesday. They would then have to find alternative living arrangements.
The letter said residents should expect a refund if they paid ahead for January rent at the Heritage House before the weather-related damage.
"I enjoyed it when my husband and I moved there five years ago. It was a beautiful place, but now it's been a nightmare on Olive Street," tenant Monica Bohlen said.
"Oh my God, I think it's terrible what they're doing to us. I don't appreciate it," said 76-year-old Kinsella Berry, who also lives at the apartment building.
"They said they will refund our January rent and security deposits, but I'm still disappointed with how they're treating us and giving us less than two weeks now to find new, permanent housing," Bohlen said. "Lots of people left the meeting at the Hilton Airport very unhappy."
"They also told us they will host two housing fairs to try to help people with finding places. I'm just not sure how that will go. One will be held on the morning of Jan. 30 and another one on the afternoon of Jan. 31," Bohlen said.
The Vivian Whitley Foundation and the Universal African People's Organization both said they are assisting those in need.
The foundation said it was going to the Hilton on Thursday to help residents along with other community partners, including the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Affinia Healthcare, Operation Food Search and the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Affinia Healthcare on Wednesday helped residents fill prescriptions and took them to appointments. The displaced residents are between 50-90 years old.
About 90 residents are currently staying at the Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel. They transferred from the downtown Hilton on Sunday.
One of the tenants told 5 On Your Side that following a meeting Thursday night, residents were given an extension until Feb. 6.
Many tenants said they are still frustrated because they said their lives are in limbo and they’re worried about their next moves.
5 On Your Side's Robert Townsend reached out to Heritage House Property Manager Marquetta Hammell and called a representative for Sansone Company, but did not hear back from anyone as of Thursday night.