Resident of Homewood apartment complex in ‘deplorable condition’ sues after forced evacuation

A Homewood resident is taking legal action against the owners and managers of a massive apartment complex, alleging negligence and breach of contract after being forced to evacuate his home.

Joshua Young, a resident of The Park at Buckingham, filed a lawsuit this past Friday against the corporate entities overseeing the 542-unit property. The filing contains 16 counts of negligence and mismanagement, claiming these failures directly led to the forced closure of the development.

A Pattern of Neglect

Young, who moved into the complex in 2024, describes a living environment riddled with issues including recurring black mold, rat infestations, water leaks, and sewage backups. According to the lawsuit, operators were notified by the city of Homewood in early June that safety violations needed to be addressed. Young alleges that management failed to inform him his residence was in jeopardy until he received notice from the Homewood Fire Department on July 11, followed by a final order to stay out of his apartment on July 29.

Homewood Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead previously told 205focus.com that the complex suffered from severe issues, including water damage, rotting stairwells, and active fire code violations. While three buildings remain open for repairs, the remaining complex was deemed unsafe. The city previously condemned five buildings at the complex in 2024 following a fire.

Seeking Justice for Residents

Attorneys J. Wesley Meidl, Johnathan Austin, and Edward May II represent Young in the suit. Austin noted to 205focus.com that the situation has effectively created a "near homelessness" crisis for residents. "It’s a very unfortunate situation for my client and also for the hundreds of other residents who are having to find a place to live immediately," Austin stated, noting the difficulty of finding affordable housing in the area.

The lawsuit names the Michigan-based Contour Development, which acquired the property in 2019, as well as the Farbman Group, which has served as a court-appointed receiver for the complex since December 2025. Efforts to reach Contour Development have been unsuccessful, and the phone line for the complex has been disconnected.

Young is currently seeking damages to cover moving expenses, the cost of securing new housing, and punitive damages. His legal team suggests this is just the beginning, as they anticipate hundreds of other affected residents may join the ongoing litigation. Many residents have already voiced their frustrations regarding the deplorable conditions at the property.