GREENSBORO, N.C.-- Safety was hard to imagine, let alone having a party, after five kids died in a fire at a Greensboro apartment complex last May. Since then, the complex has made constant improvements for its residents.
- Newly re-named apartment complex, Unity Place, celebrates community after renovations.
- Five kids died in a fire at the complex last May.
- TE Johnson & Sons took over management of the property several months ago.
With new ownership, a new vision and a new name-- Unity Place—TE Johnson & Sons took over management of the property several months ago.
"They're here. They're here to stay. And they are very, very committed to providing safe, affordable and clean housing within this community,” said Vice President of TE Johnson & Sons Professional Property Management, Cathy Robertson.
Investigators say the fire was caused by food left cooking on the stove. But during the investigation, they found a lot of other code violations and safety hazards-- more than 700. The city said the old landlords failed to fix everything, and eventually they sold the property.
"New appliances are being added. They are fire-safe. They have a mechanism on them that prevents the burner from coming on unless a pot or something is placed on that burner, even if the knob is turned on. We've installed fire stops in all of the units,” Robertson said.
To celebrate the new and improved complex, they hosted the first annual community day. Kids and neighbors got free pizza, free community resources and some really cool face painting.