Abbott Hill Apartments preparing for open house on Oct. 6

By Mike Lange Staff Writer
    DEXTER— After two years of planning, construction and some unexpected glitches, the public will get a first-hand look at Abbott Hill

Apartments in Dexter on Sunday, Oct. 6. Owner Gerry Marshall will host an open house with free refreshments at the two completed units from 2-4 p.m.
     “These two are ready for tenants right now,” Marshall said, “and the other three will be finished by spring. We’ve got some work to do on the grounds, but we’re ready to show what we’ve accomplished.”
Observer photo/Mike Lange
    READY FOR OCCUPANCY — Two of the five duplexes at Abbott Hill Apartments in Dexter are ready for occupancy and the other three are slated to be completed in the spring.   
    The units are considered ideal for a couple on a fixed income since the rent will include heat and electricity, said the owner. The apartments have heat pumps, similar to those used in motel units, and a propane heater for backup. “These heat pumps are really energy-efficient,” said Marshall. “They’ll keep you nice and warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”
Observer photo/Mike Lange
    PLENTY OF ROOM — All kitchens at Abbott Hill Apartments have refrigerators, stoves and plenty of cabinet space.   
    The kitchens are roomy and well-lighted with plenty of cupboards and energy-efficient appliances.
    All doors and entryways are extra-wide for handicapped accessibility, the shower units have built-in seats and Marshall said he’ll have a wheelchair ramp built on any unit if a tenant requests it. “We’re also going to build two-vehicle carports next to each unit, and have a van available for tenants who don’t have transportation,” Marshall said. “This is a beautiful location, but it’s a long walk downtown to the grocery store or doctor’s office.”
Observer photo/Mike Lange
    PLEASED WITH RESULTS — Gerry Marshall’s quest to convert the former modular classrooms next to the Dexter Middle School was two years in the making, but he said he’s pleased with the results.   
    Marshall purchased the former Dexter Middle School buildings and the accompanying 42-acre lot two years ago and drew up plans to convert the five modular classrooms into apartments.
    Problems cropped up, however, when Marshall learned that the town’s zoning laws allowed him to put electricity in the buildings, but not plumbing. So the town required him to provide the Planning Board with subdivision plans.
    Eventually, engineer Al Hodsdon convinced town officials that Marshall wasn’t creating a subdivision since he already owned the property and he wasn’t building anything new — just moving the buildings from one location to the other.
    After a site inspection by the Planning Board in mid-summer followed by a public hearing, the rest of the process has been relatively smooth sailing. While he had some issues with the town’s former code enforcement officer, Marshall said he has high praise for Al Tempesta, who currently holds the position. “Having Al on board makes a big difference. He’s been around a long time and knows what’s going on,” Marshall said.
    Eventually, Marshall plans to have a gazebo built on the grounds for the convenience of the tenants and do some selective cutting so they’ll have a better view of the lake.
    He said the next major project will be converting the former school gym into a youth sports camp, “if I can find the right person to run it. It would also make a nice function hall. But that’s further down the road. I’m just pleased about what we’ve accomplished so far.”