A senior living complex in Henderson is navigating a $15,000 elevator repair that has left some of its residents concerned about getting in and out of the building. 

WRAL 5 On Your Side received information from an anonymous tip that the elevator at the Maria Parham Apartments near downtown Henderson has been without an operating elevator for several days, with the initial tip sent on April 7. 

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Several residents corroborated this claim this week to WRAL 5 On Your Side, including Wendy Brewer, who has friends who live inside the apartment complex but spoke on their behalf out of their fear of retaliation. 

"If you've got somebody that's elderly, how do you get from point A to point B? Doctors appointments and such," Brewer said. 

Brewer said her friends told her it's been a weeks-long endeavor.

As of April 17, the elevator is still not operational, as confirmed through the Department of Labor and Landmark Property Management, the Winston-Salem-based management company that oversees the building. 

"We have received a complaint regarding these elevators and have been in contact with the property management company. Repairs are currently ongoing," says a spokesperson for the NC Department of Labor 

"The building owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the elevator and ensuring its safe operation. When an elevator is removed from service for repairs, the owner must complete all necessary corrective actions. If a major repair is required to return the elevator to operation, the owner must notify the North Carolina Department of Labor so that a re-inspection can be conducted before the elevator is placed back into service."

Landmark Vice President Sam Sari said she expects the fix to be completed next week, after there was a delay in parts that needed to replace the elevator's door operators. 

"I feel for our elderly residents and the inconvenience this has caused them. I have asked staff to assist them as needed or when requested," she wrote in an email response. 

History of the elevator, through inspection records

Inspection records for the elevator at 406 South Chestnut Street show eight violations dating back to 2020. 

However, the Department of Labor found zero violations during its last inspection of the elevator on November 10, 2025. 

The noted problems, according to residents, began after that inspection. 

"The elevator passed inspection in November of 2025, and we have a service contract with an elevator company. Unfortunately, elevators are like any piece of equipment, and do occasionally break down and require repair," Sari said. 

Geraldine Champion, a city council member in Henderson, spoke to WRAL 5 On Your Side, but did so as a resident of Ward 1 (in which the apartments are located) and concerned citizen. 

"I am on the city council, but I can speak on being a private citizen," she said.

Champion that acknowledged city leadership had been notified but only within the last week or so. 

"I'm concerned because if there are people wheelchair bound, if there are people on the third floor and the elevator is not working, how are they supposed to get out?" she said.