SPOKANE-- After KREM 2’s repeated requests to speak with Shogun owner Jong Lee in the wake of his tenants' eviction, he finally agreed to tell his side of the story.
Deana Denison’s life has been a whirlwind lately. She was homeless for about four or five months before she moved into the Shogun Plaza last month.
Her relief was short-lived, though, when officials condemned the building and forced out the tenants. The fire department shut down the plaza in mid-September.
The building did not have permits to house the people, according to officials, and broke several housing codes.
Denison received a check for the remainder of her rent, but the check bounced when she attempted to cash it.
Jong Lee agreed to write her another check, which she plans to cash this weekend. The owner claims he only tried to give people on a low income an affordable place to live. He said he never knew about the code violations, and is working to bring the building up to code by Christmas.
“All of my tenants that were evicted because of my big mistake are welcome back,” Jong Lee said. “I am learning everyday. I am so sorry.”
Denison accepted Lee’s apology, but does not plan on moving back to the plaza.
The owner said he is working with building and code inspectors to start repairs. He plans on giving any displaced tenants one month of free rent if they choose to move back to his building.
He said he never knew about the code violations, and is working to bring the building up to code by Christmas.
“All of my tenants that were evicted because of my big mistake are welcome back,” Jong Lee said. “I am learning everyday. I am so sorry.”
Denison accepted Lee’s apology, but does not plan on moving back to the plaza.
The owner said he is working with building and code inspectors to start repairs. He plans on giving any displaced tenants one month of free rent if they choose to move back to his building.
