NILES — Joan Davidson’s apartment is a Christmas wonderland. Christmas lights adorn the walls. Figurines and displays light up and play holiday songs. Santas and carolers line the tops of cabinets and the living room floor.

Davidson is happy with the way her decorating turned out — her friend Joyce Riggs jokingly warned people to wear sunglasses before entering Davidson’s lit-up unit — but she is also happy with the tabletops, appliances and other objects some of her décor sits on.

Riggs’ room is one of 88 that have received or will receive renovations as part of Four Flags’ greater plan for modernizing the apartment complex, making it more accessible and aesthetic for its senior citizen residents, its employees and its guests in the process.

Davidson’s new kitchen cabinetry, fridge and stove allow her to cook, one of her favorite activities, much better.

Four Flags community manager Cindi Pennington said Davidson often spoils the staff with her homemade goodies, and her new kitchen space allows her to maximize
her giving.

Pennington came to Niles to manage Four Flags when it came under ownership of General Capital Group, managed by KMG Prestige, in November 2018. General Capital, based in Wisconsin, is also overseeing Berkshire Niles on N. Third Street and the incoming Niles Post Office Apartments on E. Main Street.

In January, Four Flags Plaza underwent major renovations, from a new parking lot down to soft-closing drawers in individual’s apartments.

“We wanted to make it more modern, more livable, decrease costs on their end with energy efficiency items,” Pennington said.

So, appliances and storage spaces were upgraded. Tiling and carpeting were laid. Tubs were replaced with showers, some accessible by wheelchair. Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant rooms were made more accessible.

Crews of Oakwood Construction made these updates while residents were still in the complex. Some residents lived with family and friends during the approximately two weeks spent on each room. Others were sent to a hotel, courtesy of the plaza.

Many would go the community room each morning and afternoon. Pennington said Four Flags Plaza ensured renovations to the community began first to maximize comfort.

She said the space is more brightly lit and open than before. It features a library, board games, puzzles, televisions, bingo equipment and, soon, a kitchenette.

Davidson was one of the residents who spent her time in the community center while work was being done on her home. While she was unable to cook for staff and friends, she was treated to complimentary meals from family restaurant Prime Table.

Along with a new community room, there is a new air system — which now brings in fresh air rather than recycling in-building air only — new elevators and a more visitor-friendly lobby, complete with new seating.

Outside, thousands of plants were brought in for landscaping renovations and the plaza’s parking lot was updated.

Next year, landscaping and solar installation will wrap up the year-long construction.

“It has been a very frustrating year for us living here, with the construction going on, but it’s worth it in the end,” said resident Sylvia Bosler. “We have stuff now that we didn’t have before. Examples: walk-in showers, high-rise stools and stuff that us old people need.”

Bosler and seven other residents sat in the new community room Monday morning, some preparing for an exercise class. Many said everything about the renovations has been wonderful, despite months of work and temporary displacement.

“I’ve had residents even comment that this is the first new home they’ve ever had,” Pennington said.

Along with physical updates also comes a change in management structure. Pennington and assistant manager Mary Kannenberg, who stayed on staff through the ownership transition, both said KMG emphasizes personal interaction and compassion. Their residents are why they work, they said.

Pennington said she was driving from her home in St. Joseph County, Michigan, to Niles before her work began to meet with senior citizen groups and city personnel to locate resources and find out needs. She said apartment staff are often the first to identify a resident’s needs, not family members, due to daily interaction.

With Pennington’s outreach and Kennenberg’s familiarity with Four Flags and its residents, the two hope to provide an experience to renters that is both comforting and engaging.

That includes hosting community events on top of the events that many residents host separate from apartment management. This Friday, the complex’s residents will have a Thanksgiving meal together. The next day, a local Moose lodge will provide another meal.

“I’ve seen a lot of good people come and go. It’s been a wonderful place to live,” said Mildred Clubb, who has lived at Four Flags for 22 years. “I’ve enjoyed being here.”