Discover Western Plaza: A Tumultuous Transition in a Tumwater, WA Mobile Home Park

Western Plaza Introduce

If you are searching for long-term residential options in the Tumwater, Washington area, and your search on platforms listing "RV parks near me" has led you to consider mobile home parks, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate communities like Western Plaza, located at 1841 Trosper Rd SW, Trl, 32. Based on recent feedback from long-term residents, Western Plaza is currently undergoing a significant transition that has raised considerable concerns among its residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes.

Several long-time residents of Western Plaza, some having lived there for decades, describe a stark contrast between the park's past and its present trajectory under new ownership. For many years, the park was reportedly a happy and caring community, fostered by an original owner and manager who prioritized a sense of togetherness and mutual support. Residents recall a convivial atmosphere with neighbors looking out for one another and a management that demonstrated genuine care for the well-being of the community. This was exemplified by personal touches like annual handwritten Christmas cards and gifts from the management, along with a commitment to keeping lot rents affordable and stable for an extended period.

However, this positive environment began to erode over the years with subsequent changes in ownership and management. Residents describe a decline in the sense of community and an increase in concerns regarding property maintenance. The situation appears to have taken a significant turn with the recent sale of the property to an out-of-state investor. Long-term residents express dismay over the lack of transparency surrounding the sale, alleging that they were not made aware of previous sales as legally required. The current owner, an out-of-state investor with no registered local phone number, acquired the park last summer, marking a significant shift in its operation and priorities.

A primary concern among residents is the significant rent increases being implemented by the new owners. Seniors on fixed incomes, many of whom bought their homes in Western Plaza with the expectation of affordable housing, are now facing substantial monthly rent hikes that threaten their ability to remain in their homes. New lot rents have reportedly been raised dramatically, making it difficult for potential buyers to afford to move into the park as well, effectively trapping current residents who may wish to sell.

Furthermore, residents express dissatisfaction with the lack of attention being paid to essential common areas of the park. Issues such as dangerous potholes in the roads, inadequate drainage leading to standing water and ice hazards, and dilapidated carports and sheds have allegedly gone unaddressed for years. One resident details their personal struggle to get repairs for a rusted-out carport and shed, including a rotted shed siding, a flooding gutter, and hazardous electrical wiring. While some repairs were made by a previous owner, the fundamental issues persist.

The contrast between the neglect of common areas and the decision by the new owners to remodel the clubhouse is a point of contention for residents. They report that the clubhouse, which was once a central hub for community activities like potlucks and garage sales, now charges a fee for resident use, significantly diminishing its value and accessibility for many, especially those on limited incomes.

While one resident acknowledges that the new on-site manager maintains the grounds adequately, this appears to be one of the few positive aspects noted under the new ownership. The overall sentiment among long-term residents is one of fear, dread, and a sense of betrayal, as the affordable housing they relied upon is being transformed into a profit-driven investment with little regard for the well-being of the existing community of elders.

The situation at Western Plaza highlights the vulnerability of residents in manufactured home parks when properties are sold to investors who may prioritize profit over the long-term stability and affordability for residents. The experiences shared by the residents serve as a cautionary tale for those considering mobile home park living, emphasizing the importance of understanding the ownership structure and potential for changes over time.

For local users searching for "RV parks near me" who might also be considering the longer-term residential option of a mobile home park, the case of Western Plaza underscores the need for thorough research into the management, financial stability, and long-term plans for any community you are considering. While mobile home parks can offer an affordable housing solution, changes in ownership can have significant and potentially negative impacts on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes.

Prospective residents considering Western Plaza, despite the concerns raised, should contact the management at (360) 753-5805 or +1 360-753-5805 to inquire about current lot fees, lease agreements, park rules, maintenance plans, and any planned changes for the community. It would also be prudent to speak with current residents, if possible, to gain firsthand insights into the current living conditions and the overall atmosphere of the park. The experiences shared by long-term residents paint a concerning picture, and careful consideration of these issues is essential before making any decisions about residing at Western Plaza.

Western Plaza Photos

Western Plaza Location

Western Plaza

1841 Trosper Rd SW, Trl, 32, Tumwater, WA 98512, USA

Western Plaza

1841 Trosper Rd SW

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Western Plaza Reviews

I have lived in this Park for almost 10 years and hoped this would be my final home. I was not made aware of two previous sales of this property (as required by law) with the last one being to an out of state investor. I have requested repairs to my carport and shed due to rusted out gutters and overflow running into the shed ruining contents. Some repair was made by the previous owner but the shed siding is rotted at the ground and the shed gutter still floods the carport due to inadequate repairs. The wiring in the shed is a fire hazard due to wall plugs being old and show black burns from having multiple items being plugged in. The outside motion detector lights do not operate creating a fall hazard and also have resulted in the theft of my wife's 3 wheel bicycle during one night. The current resident manager had an attitude when I tried to get the current owner to fix the carport light. She was adamant the shed and carport were my responsibility even though my lease specifically states that they are detached from my mobile home and are on the owner's common property. I am on fixed income and cannot absorb the planned rent increases the new owners are passing on to us. They are not addressing many of the common areas that need attention such as roads and drainage but instead have chosen to remodel the clubhouse which has little use due to charging a fee to use it by the residents. In summary my wife's mother lived in this park prior to her death and was very happy here. That was a decision in our deciding to purchase a mobile home here. This has been a spiraling decision downward as the park changes hands and now that it is owned by investors who have a history of raising rents to unaffordable levels for seniors on fixed incomes and taking the funds out of state and providing minimal care of the property.
Feb 23, 2023 · Calvin Ryan
When I bought my home 26 years ago, the park had an original owner and manager who managed with such a sense of community and caring. It was a happy community--one of conviviality, joy. We looked out for one another. Now, most don't know their neighbors. Our dear park manager, Neil, would annually deliver a beautiful personally handwritten Christmas card from the management and owners along with a box of chocolates. It was so meaningful and still warms my heart to remember. And they never raised the rents. They didn't regard this park as an investment, so our monthly lot rent of $280 stayed the same year after year. Everything changed when they were forced to sell due to health issues. Manufactured parks like this were never meant to be investments but were intended as affordable housing for aging seniors. But there was a decline over two decades with multiple owners and managers.Then, with no notice from the prior owner as required by RCW, our community was sold out from under us last summer. We learned of the sale from a post on the mailroom door and a vague letter with scant details from our new out-of-state investor owner who didn't have a registered phone number! They claimed the park is in good repair, but we tenants know otherwise--we are keenly aware of the countless issues--including huge dangerous potholes resulting in standing water and dangerous ice that have gone unrepaired for years and the many dangerous carports and sheds in disrepair. For two decades I was promised my shed / carport would be repaired and/or replaced. That never happened. Update 1-12-23 When I notified management that my Tribe concerned for energy conservation and my safety from the elements would cover the cost to finally add a wall to my carport -- as all the other homes have had except mine--management approved it. And after 26 years, the former regional manager, Lauren, approved re-roofing of the 50-year-old carport/shed roof, so I'm grateful.During my first 10 years tenancy it was a happy place with lovely neighbors, conviviality, sharing, and happy memories of regular community potlucks and our annual community garage sale at the clubhouse where we mostly bought each other's stuff and shared coffee, yummy baked goods and laughed and told stories that lifted our spirits and reminded us that we're all in this together.I was eager to learn Legacy's plan for our community of elders seeking peace, comfort, and safety in the winter of our lives. But there was NO caring transition for our community of vulnerable elders whose lives will be impacted by their huge rent increases. We are all still reeling and living in fear after the $100 monthly rent increases started rolling in. Add that, unbelievably, Legacy Communities, LLC, has raised NEW lot rents $330 a month to $900! My heart breaks for my fragile elder women neighbors barely surviving on $1,000-to-$1,100-month Social Security who tell me they fear homelessness. Heck, I too am worried as I considered moving but then learned through the grapevine that Legacy had raised NEW rents $330 to $900 month! So, we realize that we're now trapped as the new $900 month rent will deter potential buyers. Such high park lot rent is unheard of for 50-year-old manufactured housing parks like ours, especially with no amenties at all, and with most homes ranging from 35-50 years old.Those barely surviving on low fixed incomes live in absolute fear and dread. I'm doing all I can to help them, but this is truly a horrific experience for all. We bought our homes for "affordability." In fact, these senior parks were identified as "affordable housing" by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from whom I've just learned these out-of-state owners receive funding as noted by Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, who has initiated a Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation inquiry.The new onsite manager does ably maintain the grounds and remove weeds and overgrown blackberry shrubs, so I am thankful for that.
Feb 25, 2023 · Kyle Taylor Lucas
I inherited my moms mobile home at western plaza. Where i have been living for 2 years taking care of my elderly mom until she passed away.the day my mom died the manager asked me when i was moving. and they accepted the lot rent from me..then the manager jerry is leaving voicemails on my phone threatning to hold my mail.he has been harrasing me daily even though im packing and moving out. Ive saved his voicemails and ive also been told that my moms water meter and the neighbors is combined. How can that be legal? This place is horrible..seems all they wanted was to be able to take my moms mobile home from me..as im not 55.and its a senior park..and when they couldnt do that.as i gifted it yo my sister...harrasse me. Yes i was late on the rent my mom had passed..its not free to cremate your loved one and all he could say from day one is on the 3rd time we can take your moms mobile home...seems thats what they wanted to do...and i dont think its legal to accept lot rent from someone then threaten on voicemail.which i have .to block there mail..i will be glad to be out of here and away from this horrible harrassing manager of this park..and im told my water meter and the next door neighbors are the same..so my moms been paying for there water too? How can that be legal.i have a call into the utility company to look into this as i gifted the mobile to my sister and i dont want her paying anyone elses bills and my mom shouldnt of had to either.
Mar 23, 2019 · Angela Roberts
Nice quiet mobile home park for 55+. We have purchased a unit here for summer months.
Jun 29, 2020 · Lanell Hoover
It's a nice tidy little mobile home park. I have a friend that lives there.
Mar 08, 2023 · Greg Mead