Elliott Lodging plans $2M rebuild after apartment fire

Gordon Elliott, who has owned the 196-unit Chardonnay Apartments at 820 E. Montclair St. for 25 years, is planning to rebuild a portion of the development's largest building after a fire earlier this week caused significant damage.

The Springfield Fire Department has ruled the fire, which occurred the morning of March 14, an accident caused by careless smoking on a second floor balcony.

Elliott, president and CEO of Elliott Lodging Ltd., said it could cost his company about $2 million to replace 24 of the complex's apartments, which will likely have to be torn down due to fire damage. Another six units will require renovation due to water damage, he added.

He noted the company likely would spend beyond insurance payments to rebuild the apartments to more modern standards.

Elliott said his company is working with the city to get renovation permits approved, which he estimated to be a one- to two-month process. After that, he estimates construction will take six to nine months. He noted the company hasn't yet chosen a general contractor or architect.

After the fire started, 48 apartments were vacated. No occupants reported injuries, but according to the city, two firefighters sustained minor injuries.

Elliott said the affected tenants have been temporarily relocated, at Elliott Lodgings' expense, to the company's area hotels, and the company is working to relocate the tenants either to other apartments at Chardonnay or one of Elliott's other apartment complexes.

"We feel pretty bad. We've got insurance, but they've lost a lot," Elliott said, noting items such as bedding and linens also would be provided to the tenants for their new apartments. "We're trying to do everything we can to assist their needs."