Cherrie Turner Towers' $7M housing metamorphosis continues in Canton

CANTON – From beyond, Cherrie Turner is probably smiling again.

The eight-story apartment building on McKinley Avenue NW, which bears her name, had fallen into disrepair. It had become riddled with crime and drug problems, elevator woes and pests.

Hardly a fitting tribute to the longtime executive director of the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority, who died in 2011. After all, she'd spent much of her life on a mission to provide safe, respectable and affordable housing.

But conditions have improved.

Turner would likely be excited that the 134-unit complex finally is in the midst of a turnaround. Actually, it's more like a metamorphosis for those who call it home.

And all those involved wanted to show it off during a media event on Tuesday morning.

Michaels Development collaboration brings rejuvenation

"We have security now ... big change," said Carla Shirosky, a resident and president of the recently-created tenant council.

"Lift lives," said Greg Olson, a regional vice president at Michaels Development, in explaining what his company preaches to its employees.

The New Jersey firm is using Ohio housing tax credits, federal assistance, to convert the half-century-old site from public housing to low-income Section 8 — and a mortgage to help fund the $6.9 million makeover, which began last year.

Michaels, with a portfolio of 75,000 apartment units at 400 properties, specializes in affordable housing.

"We see housing as foundational," Olson said.

The base for what ultimately can produce a well-lived life.

The Turner Towers project was a challenge. When Michaels partnered with the Housing Authority on the project in 2021, tenants were skeptical. They'd been frustrated with living conditions. They doubted Michaels Development would deliver. Along the way, the project contractor went out of business.

"We had communication problems at first," explained Shirosky.

That's when local groups Canton for All People and Community Legal Aid entered the picture. They helped residents band together and create a tenant council, an organized front that has worked with Michaels during the renovation.

"They were concerned about security; that was their biggest issue," said John Petit, managing attorney at Legal Aid. "There was overdosing going on ... in the laundry rooms."

Continuing work at Cherrie Turner Towners, leasing vacancies

Michaels placed security officers on site and security camera upgrades are in the works. A community room and recreation room also will be added. Olson said 79 studio or one-bedroom units are currently rented and about 30 more are available.

The base monthly rent is $612 for the smaller units and $701 for the larger, though Section 8 renters typcially pay only a portion.

Terrie Lewis, deputy director at the Housing Authority, who started at the agency six months ago, said she's learned about Cherrie Turner and plans to learn more.

"Her legacy lives on in our partnership here," Lewis said.

Reach Tim at 330-580-8333 or tim.botos@cantonrep.com.On X: @tbotosREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton's Cherrie Turner Towers gets upgrade from Michaels Development