138 code violations close Douglas Manor Apartments

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. – Residents of the Douglas Manor Apartments in Webster Groves have been ordered to leave the property by the end of this week due to dozens of unresolved code violations.

The building, which originally opened in the 1940s as an elementary school, has long since been converted into apartments. But for residents like Debra Washington, who has lived there for nearly 30 years, the news marks the end of an era.

“My heart is here. It's not easy,” Washington said.

Webster Groves City Manager Dr. Marie Peoples said the complex has received 138 code violations in recent months.

“The city’s been very willing to work with the property managers and owners over the course of time, and unfortunately, it just has not come to fruition,” Peoples said.

Vatterott Properties, which manages the building, did not respond to requests for comment.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) inspected the property in October and pulled Section 8 housing vouchers from the site, citing “major threats” to residents’ health and safety.

On Monday, the complex sat largely empty. There was some graffiti on the walls, city notices left on people's doors and a handful of tenants who say they still do not have somewhere to go.

HUD, the City of Webster Groves, and the nonprofit Webster-Rock Hill Ministries have been working to help residents relocate, with a deadline to vacate set for Friday.

“It’s important for us to take care of everyone, especially those who are the least among us,” Derek Bastian, executive director of Webster-Rock Hill Ministries, said. “Affordable housing is just a major challenge, perhaps for every city in America at this point.”

Washington said she is going to move in with her daughter because the other options available right now are not in Webster Groves.

“I want to be relocated in an area in which I desire, because I was even born in Webster Groves,” she said.

Residents expect to receive final notices to vacate as early as Thursday. The city says the building will be locked up on Saturday.