The Ross Manor in downtown Reno was sold in December leaving some of its residents, such as Michael Brundage, uncertain as to what will happen next.
Roberta Ross, who had been the outright owner since 2001, sold the building to 22 people and family trusts for $7.3 million in December, according to news reports. The building, also known as the Ross apartments, had been in the Ross family for decades, and has more than 160 studios.
Reno Youth Radio’s Wyatt Daane spoke to one of the current residents about life there and the uncertainty in the change of ownership, and what that might mean for him. Listen to his audio report below picture.
“It’s the longest I’ve ever stayed in one place. I've been there six years and I'm kinda sketched if my rents going to go up or what's going to happen.” Photo of Michael Brundage by Wyatt Daane.
A former Marine, Brundage also talked about losing his job as a truck driver and getting really sick. He says he needs constant blood transfusions, can’t work anymore and that he doesn’t like it.
“That really bums me out because I’ve worked all of my life and I’m just kinda collecting social security and disability pension makes me feel like a zit on society’s ass," he said.
Worries for the Future
Brundage says he's worried about rising rents and ending up on the streets or his current place deteriorating.
"They might end up like some of these other places where they got a lot of crack heads in there, you know because there's nobody at the desk at night. But you know I'll stay, my lease is good for another year so, I'm good till then, they can't mess with me till then. But we'll see what happens. Things always work out, that's one thing about life, everything always works out... I mean, as long as I keep food in the fridge and a roof over my head, I'm happy because I've slept on the sidewalk a lot and it’s no fun. I’m just thankful, for every time I put the key in my lock, I give thanks."
Photo and Audio Story by Wyatt Daane shared with Our Town Reno
This story was done in partnership between Our Town Reno and the Reno Youth Radio initiative. To suggest more story ideas such as this one for high school students to report on, please contact Kyril Plaskon, Teacher Reno Youth Radio on 775-287-0302