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Buildings abandoned again, neighbors not hopeful

Story by Liz Zamora

3:43 p.m. Monday, August 25, 2008

"You can see where they've ripped out the plumbing and copper lines," said Bob West.

Last summer, the new owner first showed us the damage left by vandals inside this abandoned apartment building at 1325 Southwest Fillmore. He bought this one and the one across the street and started renovations over a year ago.

Back then, he said, "This will take about six months to get back up and running."

But it's been more than a year since our first report and we've found very little has changed.

Don Gigous said, "Basically new doors and windows, basically that's the only thing that's been done."

Next door neighbor Don Gigous was happy the two apartment buildings were bought last August.

"I was optimistic something positive would happen to the property, but I still had concerns," he said.

West had promised to renovated both these apartments and make them into either senior or student housing. Now the work has completely shut down and vandals have hit the apartments once again.

"I don't when know that occurred but there's windows broken out," pointed out Gigous.

Gigous said he's just ready for the building to come down.

"I would like to see this property removed and just a vacant lot," he said.

We tried to reach owner Bob West to find out what will happen to the buildings. He didn't return our calls.

The two buildings were part of the District Attorney's ongoing investigation into Houses from Hell. 14 civil lawsuits, including one for these properties, were filed last December.