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From Blight To Affordable Living Site

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Every day for almost two years, Annie Horne could not help but notice the rundown, vacant condominium complex that flanked the Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace where she is employed.

"For the longest time, I wondered if and when they were going to redevelop them," Horne said.

Horne, however, no longer has to speculate on what might become of the buildings amid overgrown foliage one-half block north of Whiteway Drive on the west side of 53rd Street.

In the past few months, she has watched as the dilapidated structures have been transformed into 96 two- and three-bedroom apartments, each surrounded by vibrant green lawns that encircle a variety of trimmed, healthy trees and numerous new shrubs.

Each unit in The Gables at Temple Terrace has new drywall, electrical wiring and flooring. All the rooms have been painted a soft tan with white trim and the kitchens equipped with new stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops and natural hardwood cabinets. Wood blinds adorn the windows, and Berber carpet covers the bedroom, living room and dining area floors.

"You can tell they put a lot of love and attention into them, and when I went in I fell in love with them immediately," said Horne, who was so impressed with the makeover that she signed on as the complex's first tenant.

"My lease is up on my other apartment at the end of this month, so nothing could be more perfect," said Horne, who will move from her apartment off Bullard Parkway into her new home in late September.

The property is owned and managed by Prestige Building Partners, founded in 1994 and based in Miami.

The two-bedroom, two-bath apartments are typically 1,100 square feet and are priced from about $800 per month. The three-bedroom, two-bath units are generally 1,385 square feet and rents start at $1,000 per month.

Each of the first 12 tenants to lease will have free use of a washer and dryer installed in an outside closet on the patio or balcony of the apartment. However, washer and dryer hookups, as well as Verizon FiOS connections are in every apartment.

Those who opt for 13-month leases during September are eligible for a one-month-free rental package that will be prorated over the lease's entirety. A person who signs a 13-month lease would have the monthly rental fee of $800 reduced to $725, and the fee for someone whose monthly rent is normally $1,000 would be $900.

"I have shopped about five or six other properties in the area, and what I found was that we're bringing condolike living that people can afford," said property manager Jesus Delgado. "It's a great location because we're near USF the University of South Florida and close to Interstate 75. One of the other benefits is that it seems like a large community because the units are very spacious."

Fully furnished "corporate" units are also available for tenants' out-of-town guests and people from other areas who come to conduct business nearby. The daily rate - which includes towel and linen service and the use of all kitchen appliances, cutlery and dishware - is $85. The corporate rental option, which requires a three-month lease, costs between $2,000 and $3,000 per month.

"Sometimes major businesses are looking for a fully furnished apartment for their executives, and although this is not a gated community, it provides a very comfortable environment," Delgado said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Gables at Temple Terrace
WHERE: 11050 Le Jardin Circle

WHEN: Leasing office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

INFORMATION: Call Jesus Delgado at (813) 987-2617.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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