Troubled apartment complex catches fire

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A once-problem-plagued apartment complex under rehabilitation was engulfed in flames Thursday morning, pushing back renovation plans.

City of Albuquerque officials said more than $2 million in federal tax money has been pumped into the apartment complex once known as the Western Palisades.

The new owner, Chuck Sheldon of T and C Management, said the apartments were near completion and were expected to read for renters by May.

But just after 5 a.m. Thursday fire crews were called to the complex as fire raged through two of its four buildings.

Video shows the flames, seemingly taunting fire fighters, shoot straight through the roof.

Hours later, the charred walls, broken windows and gutted roof showed some construction would have to start all over again.

“The heartache here is that this building has come from a difficult, difficult past,” Sheldon said.

Sheldon signed up to rehabilitate the troubled property that popped up on the city's radar years ago.

In 2007, an early morning fire started by candles severely burned an 8-year-old girl who later died from her injuries. Investigators said they believed faulty smoke detectors played a part in her not getting out in time.

Broken smoke detectors were discovered again in 2009. This was after several tenants suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning raised concerns. Officials learned that broken heaters forced tenants to use their stoves for heat.

Douglas Chaplin with the city of Albuquerque said that case was the final straw for the city.

“We just thought it was very important for this neighborhood to bring this up to code and exceed the code in some ways,” Chaplin said.

Chaplin said when the complex went into foreclosure it became eligible for a federally funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program. More than $2 million federal funds were pumped into the project for a safe housing unit for low- and mid-income families.

“Rewired the building, replumb the buildings, put sprinkler systems in,” Chaplin said.

Chaplin said the two buildings that burned were just a stucco and paint job away from being ready for renters. After the fire ravaged through both buildings it was apparent that crews would be working for several more months to come.

“There's nothing salvageable,” Sheldon said. “Even the concrete slabs will have to be pulled up and put back down again.”

Insurance money will help pay for the damage caused by the fire. An investigation into what started the fire is underway. The buildings did have electricity.

Related online coverage from KRQE News 13:

• Complex given 48 hours to fix problems - Jan. 2, 2010
   
• Tenants of problem complex kicked out - Jan. 4, 2010
   
• Troubled owner strikes deal with city -  April 19, 2010