Florence, October 4, 2025
Housing Authority of Florence
The Housing Authority of Florence is a government entity dedicated to providing affordable and safe housing opportunities for low-income families and seniors in Florence, South Carolina. Established to address the housing needs of the community, the authority manages and maintains residential complexes, ensuring accessible and quality living environments. Over the years, it has undertaken numerous renovation projects to upgrade facilities and incorporate modern amenities. Notably, the Authority recently completed a $3.5 million renovation of Creekside Village Apartments, a significant project designed to eliminate mold issues and improve overall safety and comfort for residents. Its commitment to community welfare and transparent management underpins its mission to support Florence’s diverse population.
News Summary
The Creekside Village Apartments in Florence are set to reopen after extensive renovations caused by mold-related closures. With a $3.5 million renovation funded in part by a South Carolina Housing grant, the complex aims to provide affordable housing for low-income families and seniors. Although 41 former residents are prepared to return, concerns about mold recurrence linger. The Housing Authority is prioritizing vacancies for seniors due to the community’s accessibility features as they work to rebuild trust with returning residents.
Florence, South Carolina – Creekside Village Apartments Set to Reopen After Over Two Years of Mold-related Closures
The Creekside Village Apartments in Florence are set to reopen in early November 2025 after a prolonged closure due to extensive mold issues that rendered the complex uninhabitable. This development comes after the Housing Authority of Florence had to relocate approximately 80 residents to hotels in October 2022, incurring substantial costs of about $200,000 monthly, totaling over $2.4 million during the residents’ time away from their homes.
The renovations of the apartment complex, which began after initial plans for demolition were scrapped, have completed comprehensive repairs valued at $3.5 million. Over $3 million of this funding was provided by a grant from South Carolina Housing, enabling necessary improvements to make the building safe and livable again. The renovations include new air units, plumbing, and windows, creating a healthier living environment for future residents.
Currently, the Housing Authority has 41 former residents ready to return to the apartments, while there are still 59 vacancies available. Given the substantial demand for affordable low-income housing, the authority will prioritize filling these vacancies, particularly targeting senior citizens due to the complex’s accessibility features. These features include elevators and the property’s strategic location near public transportation.
The reopening timeline had initially been scheduled for October 2025; however, delays caused by tariffs affecting window deliveries pushed back the return date. This delay reflects ongoing challenges faced by the Housing Authority, which has experienced management issues, including an internal investigation, the firing of the executive director, and a lack of board member stability. In light of these challenges, a new executive director, Alphonso Bradley, has spearheaded efforts to revamp management practices to ensure better maintenance and resident care in the future.
Despite the positive news about the reopening, many displaced residents have expressed mixed feelings about returning, citing concerns over the potential for mold recurrence following their earlier experiences. The Housing Authority recognizes the importance of addressing these concerns and aims to build trust with returning residents through transparent communication and improved living conditions.
As the move-in date approaches, the Housing Authority is focused on ensuring a smooth transition for returning and new residents alike. With a strong waitlist for Creekside Village, the authority is committed to meeting the needs of Florence’s low-income families and seniors, paving the way for a community that supports affordable housing in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Creekside Village Apartments reopen?
The apartments are set to reopen in early November 2025.
Why were the apartments closed?
The apartments were closed due to extensive mold issues that made them uninhabitable.
How many residents were displaced during the closure?
Approximately 80 residents were relocated to hotels.
What has been done to repair the apartments?
Comprehensive repairs included replacing air units, plumbing, and windows at a cost of $3.5 million.
How will vacancies be filled after reopening?
The Housing Authority plans to prioritize filling vacancies with senior citizens due to the accessibility features of the complex.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | Early November 2025 |
| Displaced Residents | Approximately 80 |
| Renovation Cost | $3.5 million |
| Funding Source | Over $3 million from S.C. Housing Grant |
| Former Residents Prepared to Return | 41 |
| Available Vacancies | 59 |
| Target Demographic | Senior Citizens |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence Enhances Community with Housing Initiatives
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Florence Creekside Village Apartments Mold Issues
- WPDE: Florence Housing Authority to Renovate Apartments
- WMBF News: Housing Authority of Florence Moves to Renovate
- Wikipedia: Mold
- Google Search: Florence Creekside Village Apartments Mold
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
