Residents of Kentway Apartments can expect to see a few changes.

The 47-year-old apartment complex on East Summit Street has a new owner: Family & Community Services, Inc.

With 140 units designed for seniors 55 years old and over, the apartment complex has a rich history in Kent. It is the oldest congregate living facility for seniors in Portage County, formed as a cooperative venture between 23 civil organizations churches in 1970.

The transfer of ownership was recently finalized by Kentway, Inc., which has owned and operated the complex since it was built.

“F&CS is committed to maintaining Kentway as a low-income senior housing complex in Kent, as was intended by the founding organizations over 47 years ago,” said Fran Hardesty, who served as president of the Board of Trustees of Kentway, Inc. “F&CS is a non-profit organization with a proven track record of professional management of many properties, programs and services for special needs populations in Portage County. This is a good move, a better fit for Kentway.”

Kentway will be operated by the agency as one of its many programs in the area. Hardesty will join the Board of Directors of F&CS, with the remaining members of the Kentway board serving as an advisory board.

F&CS took over management of the facility in August, but acquiring ownership will enable the non-profit organization to ensure Kentway’s sustainability and provide its residents with additional services, said Mark Frisone, executive director of F&CS.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life of residents there,” he said.

Frisone and Hardesty said that the transfer of ownership will provide Kentway with a more solid foundation as the complex prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2021.