Dilapidated Oakland hotel renovated, reopens as affordable housing
Dilapidated Oakland hotel renovated, reopens as affordable housing
Affordable housing has replaced a once-dilapidated, historic hotel in downtown Oakland, providing safety and security to some residents who used to call the place, ‘Hotel Hell.’
OAKLAND, Calif. - Affordable housing has replaced a once-dilapidated, historic hotel in downtown Oakland, providing safety and security to some residents who used to call the place, ‘Hotel Hell.’
The century-old Empyrean Towers on 13th Street has been rebuilt and outfitted with new roof, plumbing, heating, lighting and wiring. Each apartment now has its own bathroom and kitchen. There’s a shared laundry room, community room, bicycle storage, and routine maintenance.
In March 2019, Berkeley’s city manager reported that on any given night, approximately 1,000 people in the city are experiencing homelessness. Since COVID-19 began, it’s spread across the United States and economic strain has heightened, possibly placing more Berkeley residents into housing insecurity.
According to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, homelessness in Alameda County experienced a 63% increase from 2017 to 2019. Such housing insecurity appears to have only deepened as the pandemic continues to deprive job security from residents. According to California’s Employment Development Department, since November 2020, 52,200 Californians lost their jobs, causing the state’s unemployment to increase by 0.9% and overall unemployment to reach 9% by December.
Empyrean Towers in Oakland a step closer to rehab: 2 Investigates
By Simone Aponte and KTVU
Published
OAKLAND (KTVU) More than two years after 2 Investigates first exposed unsanitary and unsafe conditions at the trouble Empyrean Towers hotel in Oakland, the property is now one step closer to being rehabilitated.
The City Council on Tuesday night approved a resolution giving the city authorization to negotiate a deal to have the property deemed a historical site, through the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). That would free up funds as part of the rehabilitation process.
According to the proposal, the purpose of entering into the Agreement is to minimize, reduce or avoid adverse effects on the historic building while it is being rehabilitated and eventually sold to a non-profit that plans to turn it into affordable housing.