DETROIT – Some tenants at Brush Park Manor, a senior living community in Detroit, say they’ve been without working air conditioning as a heat advisory remains in effect.
After Local 4 received tips about the issue, the City of Detroit confirmed inspectors have been at the property for the past two days to investigate complaints.
Arthur Rushin, Chief Enforcement Officer with Detroit’s Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED), said inspectors have issued a correction order to the property’s management over the faulty system.
Rushin said the problem surfaced in late May.
“They went to turn their AC on, back in the latter part of May. Discovered that they had some issues,” Rushin said.
Several residents told Local 4 they have been opening windows for relief as temperatures climb.
Tenants who spoke with us did not want to be identified on camera, but confirmed they’ve been in communication with property management about the repair timeline and a part needed to fix the system.
A representative for Presbyterian Village Company, the property management company, said replacement parts have been ordered and repairs should be completed soon.
The company also said it is taking steps to keep residents cool in the meantime, including placing chillers in hallways on each floor and bringing in additional fans.
Rushin said inspectors also verified that cooling areas are available inside the building.
“The management company has established some cooling areas in the building. So, they have portable AC units in the community room,” Rushin said. “We also had the inspector verify that the temperature in the community room was 75 degrees.”
Residents also told Local 4 they’ve been working with senior advocates, a resource the city rolled out earlier this year to assist tenants at senior complexes across Detroit and help identify issues.
“So, each senior building, they go, and they talk to the property managers and the owners to see if there are any issues that the seniors have,” Rushin said.
Representatives for Brush Park Manor said the part needed for the A/C repairs is expected to arrive on Friday (June 12), and maintenance crews are standing by to fix the unit.
City inspectors noted that the complex has faced similar air-conditioning complaints in 2024 and 2025.
A representative for Presbyterian Village Company said residents are being closely monitored and that their comfort and safety remain a priority.