News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Highland Residential Services will begin renovating and remodeling several Walnut Village homes within the next couple weeks.
Executive Director Dow Harris said the only thing that remains is for the construction phase to begin.
“We did get our bonds, our mortgage, and all the finances and deals were closed approximately a week ago,” Harris said. “Everything’s in place for the construction phase to begin certainly by the month of May. It’ll take about a year, maybe 14 months… to complete Walnut Village.”
Some residents will be relocated from Walnut Village during the renovation process. Harris said some have already made plans to move with family, while others will stay at other facilities temporarily.
“We’re going to be moving or relocating blocks of eight to 10 residencies,” Harris said. “We have a relocation specialist with our developer, LHP, that coordinates all that moving and relocation for the tenants. They’re well taken care of. Professional movers move them, relocate, and put their stuff in storage.”
Harris said the project will renovate both the interior and exterior of the homes in Walnut Village, installing new flooring, kitchens, and cabinets among other things.
“I think with the construction phase, once we get through that, we’re going to recondition and be able to continue with the services Walnut Village has provided for some 40 years now,” Harris said. “We’re looking for those renovations to serve another 40-plus years.”
Cookeville City Council approved a $7 million bond for the project earlier this year. Harris estimates the project will just between $5-6 million to complete with the bond paid off within 24-36 months.
