Last residents prepare to move out as local businessman prepares to open luxury hotel
By Sarah Stiefvater
As residents of the R.E. Lee building in downtown Lexington are forced to relocate, one resident says he will be the last to leave, “to sort of close the door on the whole era.”
David Compton, who has lived in the building for almost five years and doubles as the building’s maintenance man, is one of the last eight to ten residents of the building, which will be free of tenants by February 1, 2012.
Local businessman Ugo Benincasa purchased the building and plans to convert it back into a luxury hotel and restaurant. The building formerly housed the Robert E. Lee Hotel and a restaurant, before being converted into affordable housing more than 30 years ago.
The City of Lexington partnered with the Rental Assistance Office, said it would do its best to help current residents, pledging $100,000 to offset moving costs, though not all residents are pleased with the level of assistance.
John Yerby, who has lived in the R.E. Lee building for six years, says he feels slighted by the government.
“They’re just trying to stick you wherever the hell they can,” Yerby said.
Compton agrees, saying that the residents have been largely overlooked by the city and the Rental Assistance Office. He says that he feels out of the loop.
“You find out about new decisions in the newspaper,” Compton said. “They don’t tell you anything.”
Like in the case of many residents of the building, health issues have prevented Yerby from being able to drive, making the central location of the R.E. Lee building ideal for getting around with ease. He has looked at a few apartments around the county – with representatives from the Rental Assistance Office – but has not been able to commit to any because of their inconvenient locations.
In addition to transportation issues, some residents are having trouble finding affordable options provided by the Rental Assistance Office.
Andrew Martin is a Washington and Lee University employee who has lived in the building for almost two years. He says that while he has seen many apartments, none have been in his price range.
“Relocating is rough on anyone,” Martin said. “The city has done as much as possible, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”
One of the most important aspects of real estate, location is also playing a part in Compton’s plans following the move from the building. He says he is one of the only residents planning on leaving Virginia altogether.
“I’m moving to Utah,” Compton said. “I think I’m the only one taking the leap and really getting out of here.”
Though he is moving far away from Lexington, Compton says he has loved living in Lexington, specifically for its deep historical ties and nice people. He will be sad to leave the R.E. Lee building, which he says sits in the ideal location in the middle of downtown.
“We really have a grandstand view of historical Lexington here,” Compton said.
Compton thinks the conversion of the building into a hotel and restaurant will be a great thing for downtown Lexington, even though it is forcing the relocation of many longtime residents.
“I think it will look great,” Compton said. “Ugo’s got a really good vision for the place.”
Others, like Martin, are taking a more melancholy approach to the change.
“At least they’re not turning it into a bank,” Martin said.
Although he is excited for the future of the building, Compton and many other residents are sad to see the end of an era.
“This isn’t supposed to go smooth or be easy,” Compton said. “People have lived here for a long time, they’re attached to the place.”
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