Nearly half of units at Roanoke apartment complex are occupied as moveout deadline looms

Residents have until the end of the month to move out due to historical renovations

Approximately 80 families at English Gardens apartments will need to find a new place to live this summer due to a historic renovation project that’s underway. (Gardens at Grandin)

ROANOKE, Va. – The deadline is quickly approaching for people who live at English Gardens Apartments in Roanoke to find a new place to live.

We first reported back in March that Gardens at Grandin, LLC, the company that bought the complex, says they have plans for major renovations, which would make it unsafe for residents to continue living there.

Recommended Videos



After renovation, the company plans to list the property on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic.

Just three weeks away from the move-out deadline, 47 out of the 100 units are still occupied.

One of them is the home of Doris Kanode.

Doris and her neighbors were given the notice back in March they would have to find a new place to live. Two months later and she is still struggling to find a new home.

“I’ve called other places. And they don’t have anything,” Kanode said.

Residents must be out of their apartments by the end of June.

“I’m not sleeping much at night because you know, you worry,” said Kanode.

Kanode and other people who live there say they’re on waiting lists for other complexes but there are limited places available within their budget.

“I’ve tried calling and I have two applications at other places, they don’t have anything but if someone moves out or someone gets real sick then I might get it. It’s just, I think they could give a little bit more time,” said Doris.

10 News reached out to the apartment company to share these concerns.

A representative released the following statement to 10 News:

Gardens at Grandin, LLC remains committed to working with residents through the move-out process. Many residents have been successful in finding new homes. In addition, Hall Associates has reached out to local apartment communities looking for availability and transitioned many residents into other apartments or rental homes managed by them. With the support of Hall Associates we will continue to work with residents through this transition period.

John Powell, Representative for English Gardens

If residents do not move out by the end of this month, they could face fines and legal action.


About the Author

Sydney joined the WSLS 10 News team in June 2021.

Recommended Videos