Dilapidated Oakland resort renovated, reopens as reasonably priced housing

The rundown Oakland hotel has been renovated and reopened as affordable housing

Affordable housing has replaced a once-derelict historic hotel in downtown Oakland and has provided shelter and security for a few residents who formerly called the place “Hotel Hell”.

OAKLAND, California – – Has affordable housing replaced a once dilapidated, historic hotel in downtown Oakland to provide protection and security for some residents who used to call the place “Hotel Hell”.

The centuries-old Empyrean Towers on 13th Street have been remodeled with a new roof, plumbing, heating, lighting and wiring. Each apartment now has its own bathroom and kitchen. There is a shared laundry room, common room, bicycle storage room and routine maintenance.

The building that is on the National Register of Historic Placesis far from the only broken elevator, holes in walls, broken doors in the shared bathrooms, broken windows, and leaking pipes found inside five years ago.

KTVU investigates suspended The lingering hazards, including extension cords used as permanent wiring, fire escapes that are pinned or blocked, and trash piled high in hallways.

City liens eventually forced the owner into bankruptcy and charitable Resources for Community Development (RCD) bought it to develop into affordable housing units.

“We’ve really been able to turn a community disaster into what we think is wonderful,” said Dan Sawislak, executive director of RCD. “It will stay wonderful for decades.”

Dozens of people who lived at Empyrean towers Before the renovation, the building was returned to a fully renovated building with added security, mailboxes and a modern, working elevator.

“I love it,” said Jessica Meunier. “Everything we need now is finally here in the building and we can use it.”

The seven-story building has 66 residential units (originally 99), each with its own bathroom and a small kitchenette.

Each apartment is equipped with fully functional fire alarms, smoke alarms and sprinklers, unlike before in the case of serious security breaches.

RCD emphasized the importance of community partnerships in building, renovating and delivering more affordable housing, especially in light of the growing homelessness crisis. There are currently 20 further projects in the works.

Empyrean Towers alone received 4,000 applicants for the 25 open apartments. The other 40 were occupied by previous tenants eager to return.

“I’m proud of it. I’m proud of Oakland. I’m proud of what has been achieved here,” said resident John Heckert. “It enables me to have a sense of dignity. Dignity is important.”

Brooks Jarosz is an investigative reporter for KTVU. Email him at brooks.jarosz@fox.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter: @BrooksKTVU