Luxury apartment complex construction site in Princeton struggles to reach completion after year-long delays

On Highway 380 in Princeton, construction of a luxury apartment complex has encountered significant delays, frustrating local resident Marylou Pettis, who initially anticipated it would enhance the neighborhood and bolster property values.

“The timeline has been very extended,” remarked Marylou Pettis. “There have been periods of activity followed by halts. It’s an ongoing process.”

According to the City of Princeton, the project received approval in 2017 and broke ground in 2021. However, construction activities came to a halt in 2023 following a city inspection.

A representative of the property ownership group informed NBC 5 that construction ceased after a contractor abandoned the site due to financial issues in May 2023.

“It’s just sitting there, deteriorating,” Pettis lamented. “It’s become an eyesore.”

The city has raised concerns about public safety, noting in an online statement that the unfinished structures pose risks to the community’s health, safety, and welfare. Exposure to the elements also raises the potential for mold and other pathogens, echoing worries expressed by Pettis.

“My main concern is the presence of rodents, critters, mold, and the implications for future residents,” Pettis emphasized.

The city has set a deadline of June 16th for the property owners to bring the site into compliance, remove the structures, or demolish them altogether.

Recently, the owners replaced weatherproof sheeting on some buildings and conducted a mold inspection that identified elevated areas of concern. They submitted a remediation plan to the city, which now requires evaluation by a third-party engineer due to significant health and safety concerns.

The owners indicated they are currently negotiating with a new lender to secure financing and resume construction.

However, neighbors like Pettis remain skeptical about the project’s future completion.

“At this stage, I’m unsure if it will ever be finished, even if they find a new contractor, because we’ve seen this before,” Pettis expressed.

The owners have stated that once construction recommences, the project could be finished within nine months. As of Friday, city officials confirmed no new permit applications had been submitted.

For more information about the project from the City of Princeton, click here.