Courthouse Square Troubles

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First Centrum's resident manager, Deborah Jackson, confirms the vacancies. When asked about the problems, though, she says flatly, "I'm not allowed to talk about that." A regional manager for the company also declined to talk to the Observer, saying "it's not in [the company's] interest" to discuss problems.

Even mayor John Hieftje finds it "very difficult to contact someone who can speak for First Centrum. After several tries I did talk to them once a few years ago and sent them a letter outlining my concerns," he recalls in an email. "I tried to contact them again a few months ago, but they never called back."

Jennifer Hall, housing manager of the city's community development department, says First Centrum representatives sometimes return her calls--but only, she suspects, "because I might be able to give them money." The department has arranged several long-term loans to fund repairs in the building, including replacing the roof and fixing the elevators. It was Hall's contact who confirmed that the company is "interested" in selling.

First Centrum can't sell soon enough for Ruth Darcy, a nine-year resident. Darcy, who uses a wheelchair, had to badger the company for years before they finally put in a power-operated front door for handicapped residents.