STATESBORO, Ga. — Renovations are finally underway at a Statesboro apartment complex more than seven months after it unexpectedly closed, forcing residents to vacate on short notice.

Previously, reports indicated that residents of “The Vault” were informed by the property management that the City of Statesboro had ordered an evacuation by the end of the day on April 11. However, this account has been clarified by city officials.

Layne Phillips, Statesboro’s public affairs manager, explained on Wednesday that the situation unfolded differently. “I think it’s unfortunate how that played out,” Phillips said. “The city had actually provided the previous property owner with an opportunity to address some structural issues identified by us and a third-party engineer. They opted to have residents leave to facilitate redevelopment, but the city did not evict anyone from the property.”

The complex has since been purchased by LRC Commercial, a Michigan-based company. They have announced plans to invest about $8 million to revamp the site.

The property has since been acquired by LRC Commercial out of Michigan, who plan to invest approximately $8 million in the complex’s transformation.  

Renovations include exterior upgrades and safety corrections following the violations reported earlier this year.

Phillips said the city is pleased with the submitted plans so far.

“We’re really looking forward to having this new developer take over this property,” she said. “It sounds like they’ve got a lot of great plans in place to improve the quality of life for residents who choose to live there. We’ve had conversations with the developer and just hope to remedy some of the previous issues that were going on that property…It’s a significant investment, one of the largest we’ve ever seen in a housing redevelopment for this community.”

Not only will the new investment correct the complex’s previous condition, but it will also help the city continue to address the growing demand of housing.

“I think the preliminary plan supports growth,” Phillips said. “This is looking like it’s not just student housing, but it’s close to the university. I think they would love to capture some of our large student growth that we’re seeing. This is the largest freshman class Georgia Southern has ever had in its history, so we need more housing for students and for our residents alike. I think this project aligns perfectly with that growth in mind.”

Renovations will continue into 2026, but the goal is to begin pre-leasing for the 2026-2027 Georgia Southern University school year in the coming months.