- Property management company Intercity Investments tendered its resignation at the Athena.
- The firm gave the HOA only 30 days notice, due to a high level of harassment from residents.
“Our firm is no longer willing to subject our staff to behaviors which could be described as designed to harass and intimidate others into compliance with certain individual’s special interests.” This news has the entire building in a tither. What this means is that effective October 16, the Athena will have zero maintenance.
The whole letter — and more — after the jump:
The Athena’s board, along with that of Preston Tower’s, pushed hard against city-recommended redevelopment behind the Pink Wall in PD-15.
Athena property owners tell me Steve Wolens, a unit owner and also the husband of former Dallas Mayor Laura Miller, has been involved in some communication, indicating he may reach out to former state senator John Carona for help. Carona owns two large property management companies: Principle Management Group of North Texas and Somerset Association Management .
They also say some residents stirred trouble with a few ICI employees, who quit.
A property management industry source tells me that while it’s not that unusual for a management company to terminate even a long-term contract, 30 days is pretty short notice and may indicate a high level of frustration.
“ICI manages very few high rises,” he told me, asking to remain anonymous because of his high profile within the industry. “My guess is ICI probably decided life is too short for conflict.”
What are the Athena’s options? Beg Intercity to stay on another 30 days, hurry to find a new management company or self-manage by self-contracting. It’s doubtful HOA dues would change, but it’s possible.
Word is the board is now talking to Worth Ross and Associates for a bid.
