In Hurst, Texas, the asbestos-laden Sonterra Apartments are finally going to be torn down. In late 2007, the apartments were found to contain over 900 separate violations, ranging from broken windows to exposed wiring. Tenants were moved out shortly thereafter, in 2008.

The Sonterra Apartments have been closed for over a year, and the city is finally ready to demolish the slum-like buildings. Early work on the site has begun, including asbestos removal. The asbestos must be removed prior to demolition by law. Exposure to asbestos particles has been linked to mesothelioma, among other serious medical conditions.

The 15-unit Sonterra complex is currently being gutted. A track hoe has begun to knock down some the buildings, and according to officials, work on the site should be completed by December of this year. According to Mike Morgan, planning and development director, it is unexpected, but good, that Hurst was able to find someone who was interested in redeveloping the site. "We are 97 percent built out, and it’s been that way for several years," he said.

Morgan said the property is zoned for commercial, retail, office or hotel use. QuikTrip, which abuts the apartments, has purchased nearly 5 acres of the property with plans to expand their business, according to Mike Thornbrugh, QuikTrip spokesman. He said QuikTrip will add another gas pumping area, a back door, and 20 new parking spaces.

Morgan said, "This piece of property on the freeway is of value and it is now going to reach its potential," he said.

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