Revamped apartment complex sets a new tone for Long Beach
0 Comments | Press – Telegram; Long Beach, Calif., Jun 26, 2010 | by Kelly Puente
LONG BEACH — Formerly a home for sex offenders, drug dealers and parolees, the notorious apartment complex at 1149 E. First St. was a source of neighborhood blight and a nightmare for residents.
But on Saturday, the building celebrated a rebirth, thanks to new owner Charles Rashall.
The neighborhood was invited to a grand opening and tour of the newly-renovated 12-unit complex, which now features hardwood floors, granite countertops and custom cabinets.
For Rashall, who took over the property in September, it’s the end of more than six months of hard work. Acting as his own contractor, he invested $350,000 to restore the 1941 art deco building to its former glory. That included $24,000 just to restore the windows.
“I’m super proud of it,” said Rashall, 59. “It’s come a long way.”
The problems started about two years ago when it was discovered that at least 15 registered sex offenders were living in the building. Then-owners Svetlana and Nebojsa Stefanovic were receiving a stipend from the state to house the men, sometimes packed three or four to an apartment.
Alamitos Beach flew into an uproar and the Stefanovics moved the sex offenders out. But soon, they were replaced with regular parolees and the problems grew worse.
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 21, 2008, police responded to 201 law enforcement calls at the building.
“It was terrible,” said Joann Hinton, 78, who lives next door