Paula Okon, resident of Sugarloaf Villas for nearly 20 years, talks with her neighbor, Kellen Bishop, a student at Northern Michigan University, about their concerns when it comes to finding a new affordable place to live. Both currently reside at the Sugarloaf Villas in Marquette. The site is being considered for a new apartment complex. (Journal photo by Rachel Oakley)

MARQUETTE — Paula Okon, a resident of Sugarloaf Villas in Marquette, was surprised and upset when she learned through local news media recently that her rental home of almost 20 years will be torn down this summer, to be replaced by an amenity-rich student housing project.

The $15-million, privately funded project is being developed by Home Renewal Systems, the same developer behind the renovation of Marquette’s Holy Family Orphanage into the Grandview Marquette, a 56-unit low-income housing solution for working residents and military veterans.

“I just wish they had the respect to tell us further ahead of time,” said Okon, who receives government grant assistance for her housing costs and worries that she won’t be able to find an affordable new place to live before construction begins.

With sale negotiations still under way between the Villas’ current owner and HRS, the timeline for moving day hasn’t been made clear. Jamie Beaver emphasizes that until sale negotiations are finalized, there is no set time when construction will begin.

HRS senior vice president Shannon Morgan said if negotiations go according to plan they will begin construction this summer.

Meanwhile, Okon is saying goodbye to her home of almost two decades. She said that working to make her A-frame house a home has gotten her through tough times, dealing with PTSD and anxiety from her service in the U.S. Air Force.

“This house has so many memories and it created stability in my life because things could get really hard, but home never changed,” said Okon. “Now they’re going to scrape it down, and it’s disrespectful that they won’t even tell me when.

“I thought that I would get old and die here, not get old and get kicked out,” she said.

As for the rental rates of Sugarloaf student housing apartments, Morgan said they are still finishing preliminary development plans and will have more information on pricing in about 30 days.

“We want to provide top-notch student housing with the amenities students are asking for,” said Morgan. According to Morgan, HRS have a waiting list in place for prospective residents of the future complex.

Morgan noted the company is always concerned with the residents involved in their projects and that they will work with those concerned to find solutions.

Rachel Oakley can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243. Her email address is roakley@miningjournal.net.