The exterior of the still-under-construction Renaissance at West River apartments

Over a month after the Renaissance at West River in Tampa, Florida opened for business, at least two contractors that built the six-story apartment complex argue they are still owed compensation for their work. 

According to two mechanics lien affidavits processed with the Hillsborough County clerk’s office, general contractor DPR Construction and subcontractor Raynor Company Group claim they are owed a combined $1.4 million as of October 30, 2020. 

A mechanics lien provides claimant contractors with a security interest in a property in which they serviced. Until the contractor’s debt has been settled, a property owner can be hindered from selling or refinancing their property while the lien claim is active. 

The $46 million apartment complex broke ground on May 10, 2018, and can house 160 senior citizens as part of a low-income facility. 

Each mechanics lien was filed in accordance with Florida statutes governing mechanics lien filings

Two contractors owed $1.4M

According to the lien affidavit, both DPR Construction and Raynor Company Group are owed a combined $1,422,752.50 for work taking place at the Renaissance at West River apartment complex, located at 1545 West Main Street, Tampa, FL. 

On October 30, 2020, general contractor DPR Construction filed a mechanics lien valued at $1.2 million against the 120-acre apartment complex. 

The GC’s lien affidavit states their claim was filed in accordance to a contract with property owner West River Phase 1a LP, which totaled $32,880,748 for general contracting duties. According to the lien affidavit, DPR Construction serviced the project between November of 2018 and August of 2020. 

Two weeks prior, subcontractor Raynor Company Group filed a lien totaling $222,752.50 against DPR Construction on October 16. The subcontractor provided water proofing and exterior insulation and finish system services to the project between July of 2019 and July of 2020. 

Raynor Company Group’s contract with the GC was valued at $1,946,050. 

West River complex addresses a need for low-income housing

According to a Tampa Bay Times report, the Tampa Housing Authority demolished the former North Boulevard Homes building in 2018 to to construct the Renaissance at West River. The report explains the public housing complex was demolished due to its aging infrastructure from the 1940s. 

There has been a rise in public concern that construction close to downtown Tampa will force poorer residents out due to higher rents. As the Times reports, the Tampa Housing Authority — which is managing the West River project — is required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to replace all 1,600 public housing units lost from the former North Boulevard Homes.

According to the Times report, from the date of the apartment complex’s opening, the facility reported a waitlist of seniors that surpassed 20,000 people. Leroy Moore, chief operating officer for the Housing Authority, about 30 former residents of North Boulevard have indicated an interest in returning to live in the Renaissance at West River.

The Renaissance West River project is part of Tampa’s commitment to creating 10,000 affordable housing units by 2027.