Harrison School Apartments in Roanoke, VA

Pros

• The Harrison School Apartments have a significant history.
• The site was originally one of Roanoke's first Black public schools under Lucy Addison.
• It later became a museum for African American culture and art.
• The building has been renovated into apartments, now serving both market-rate tenants and subsidized residents.
• The apartments are nice for older people and are income-based.

Cons

• Since Elmington took over, the place has become terrible.
• Elmington provides no contact besides odd text messages from a number that disconnects when called.
• The new website adds a portal but offers no usable information for residents to pay rent.
• Residents have to call repeatedly since October and receive no return calls.
• The management supposedly does not come to the property.
• Some residents have overrun the place with drugs, leaving doors open to the building.
• Visitors are threatened, and nothing is done about it.
• It used to be a good place to live.
• Elmington took over on October 28, 2024, but has done nothing to improve the property.
• Despite numerous attempts to contact Elmington, there has been no response.
• It's baffling why Elmington would take over without adequate staffing.
• The situation is described as mismanagement, leading to the suggestion of legal action and paying rent to the courts.

Review

Harrison School Apartments in Roanoke is best suited for seniors who prize affordability and a strong sense of place, anchored in a historic building with a unique cultural heritage. The property sits in a renovated former Black public school, a site that later served as a museum and now houses both market-rate and subsidized units. For households navigating fixed incomes, the arrangement of income-based apartments alongside market-rate options offers genuine financial accessibility without sacrificing the character and grandeur of a bygone era. For residents who value architectural charm, thoughtful renovations, and a narrative of resilience embedded in the walls, this community provides a rare combination of price stability and historic ambiance.

However, serious buyers should explicitly consider alternatives if reliable management and predictable communication are non-negotiable. Since Elmington Property Management took over in late October 2024, residents report almost no direct contact, limited on-site presence, and a difficult-to-navigate communication pipeline. A functioning tenant portal for rent payments appears to be lacking, with inquiries met by unreturned calls or evasive responses. The absence of hands-on management translates into a sense of drift: no visible staff on-site to address everyday concerns, delayed maintenance, and a risk-averse operation when problems arise. For families or individuals who rely on timely, proactive administration, these gaps are not minor irritants but core deal-breakers.

The positive attributes - rich history, architectural character, and the option to secure affordable housing - do carry meaningful weight, but they are offset by real and persistent drawbacks. The building's historic charm can foster a sense of belonging and pride for residents who stay long enough to integrate into a community that has endured through generations. The presence of subsidized units alongside market-rate apartments can also nurture a diverse resident mix and potential peer support. Yet these advantages do not directly counterbalance the unpredictable management environment. When safety and day-to-day stability hinge on responsive leadership, the current situation under Elmington erodes confidence in the property as a steady home.

Safety and perceived security emerge as the thorniest issues. Reports of drug activity within the property, doors left unsecured, and threatening visitors create a climate where residents may feel exposed or hesitant to invite friends and family over. The lack of timely intervention from management amplifies these concerns, eroding trust and complicating routines as simple tasks - like receiving packages, arranging repairs, or coordinating access for guests - become sources of stress. Rent affordability and the possibility of subsidized housing cannot compensate for an environment where safety perception and management accountability are in question. In a setting designed for steady housing and aging-in-place, these are not incidental problems but central considerations.

For families weighing the next steps, the practical path is clear: insist on a robust, on-site presence and a transparent, responsive management routine before committing. Seek a firm commitment about on-site staffing hours, a direct line of contact for urgent issues, and a reliable maintenance response policy. Demand clarity around the resident portal, including how rent can be paid securely and how residents will be notified of any policy or building changes. Ask about security enhancements - controlled entry, lighting, cameras, and neighborhood patrols - and request a recent incident log to assess patterns over time. If these assurances cannot be documented, it is prudent to explore alternative communities with proven management stability and safety records.

Ultimately, Harrison School Apartments offers a compelling blend of affordability and historic character for seniors who can tolerate a discretionary level of management risk. It is not a neutral option; it is a value proposition with distinct caveats. For those who prioritize continuity of care, quick problem resolution, and active on-site management, alternatives will likely outperform this property. For those who can balance budgetary benefits with a willingness to advocate and a tolerance for management gaps, a carefully pursued tour with direct conversations about security, access, and responsiveness may reveal a viable, if imperfect, home. The decision hinges on whether legacy value and affordability outweigh the absence of steady administrative reliability.

This part of Roanoke, Virginia, offers a wide range of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to live in the area. With multiple physicians' offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and restaurants nearby, residents have easy access to healthcare and dining options. Additionally, the proximity to parks and cafes provides opportunities for leisure activities and socializing. The presence of places of worship allows for spiritual engagement within the community. Overall, this area offers a convenient and well-rounded living environment for seniors in Roanoke.

Physicians

• Carilion Internal Medicine (0.2 miles)
• City of Roanoke Employee Health (0.7 miles)
• Lions Sight Foundation of Virginia (0.8 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Wound Center (1 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Urogynecology - Roanoke (1 miles)
• Pediatric Clinic-Carilion Center (1 miles)
• Carilion Diabetes Management Program (1.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Big Lick Brewing Company (0.5 miles)
• Tuco's Taqueria Garaje (0.5 miles)
• Jefferson Center (0.7 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (0.7 miles)
• Martin's Downtown (0.7 miles)
• Billy's (0.7 miles)
• Clutch Smoked Meats (0.7 miles)

Transportation

• Roanoke Higher Education Center Smart Way Stop (0.5 miles)
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) (3.1 miles)

Parks

• Washington Park (0.6 miles)
• Elmwood Park (0.9 miles)
• Wasena Park (1.1 miles)
• Vic Thomas Park (1.3 miles)
• Norwich Park (1.6 miles)
• Mill Mountain Park (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Sweet Donkey Coffee (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Johns Episcopal Church (1 miles)
• Rescue Mission Ministries (1 miles)
• St James Episcopal Church (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital (1 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Inpatient Rehabilitation (1 miles)
• Roanoke Ambulatory Surgery Center (1.2 miles)
• Carilion Health System (2 miles)
• Roanoke Memorial Hospitals (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Wonder Drug Southeast Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)