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Residents move back into Golden Tower apartments nearly 3 months after fire

428 views · Published 17 May 2018 · 2:43 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) - For nearly three months, 165 Covington residents have had to stay in hotels so repairs could be made at the Golden Tower apartments after a February 22 fire sent smoke throughout the complex on 11th Street.

On Monday, they smiled as they got to unpack their bags for good.

It was move in day at Golden Tower. Bags were stacked in the corner of the lobby.

Eugene Perrin was one of the residents carrying belongings back into the high rise and up the elevator.

"It feels good to be back home," Perrin said. "Now, I can cook and don't have to eat out the restaurants every day."

Perrin was one of the many people, some elderly and disabled, who had to grab what they could on February 22 and evacuate the 16-story high rise.

The electrical fire started in the basement.

There was a lot of smoke.

And a lot of repairs had to be made to the building.

When the fire broke out, Perrin left a lot of things behind.

While most of the apartment was as he left it, Perrin says he has a lot of work to do.

It didn't take long for Ruby Gentry to feel back at home in her apartment, but she could have done without the move itself.

"It was a hassle," she said. "I had people help me bring my stuff in, but I got it in. I'm just glad to be home."

Many will never forget the scary scene the day the fire broke out - residents being evacuated and firefighters rushing to the scene.

"Very chaotic," said Joevonee Foree. "You have a lot of elderly residents. You have a lot of people in wheelchairs, walkers, that sort of thing."

But, on Monday, many people at the Golden Tower echoed Foree's sentiments.

"Home sweet home," Foree said.

Maintenance people were still busy doing some touch up work on Monday as residents moved back into the complex.

The owner of the Golden Tower picked up the tab for residents to stay at three local hotels while they were out of their apartments.

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