AHA partners with local business owner to create 50 new studio apartments.
The Housing Authority of the City of Alameda (AHA) has negotiated a purchase and sale agreement of the Hawthorn Suites Hotel at 1628 Webster Street at the corner of Pacific Avenue. A physical needs assessment has been completed and the goal is to adapt the existing building into affordable housing made up of 50 studio apartments. The studios will be high-quality units and serve a need for small affordable homes in a highly desirable location on the island.
The advantage of the AHA acquiring an existing structure instead of building new construction, is that the Housing Authority can house low-income residents faster and more cost efficiently. This real estate acquisition is subject to receiving state funding which will not be determined until the end of 2022.
“AHA believes this is a unique opportunity to provide high quality affordable workforce housing in Alameda, we look forward to working with local businesses and the West Alameda Business Association, neighbors and local nonprofits on this project.” said Vanessa Cooper, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda.
AHA plans to start community outreach to local businesses and homeowners in early fall. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for email notifications via www.ahagroup.live and choose email list “Alameda Hotel conversion.” This workforce housing development will serve individuals with incomes between $20,000 and $60,000 per year; twenty-five percent of the units will provide supportive housing with full onsite services. AHA intends to honor existing commercial leases for the store front business located at this site.
About AHA
For over 80 years, The Housing Authority of the City of Alameda has been providing a range of housing assistance to low-income households. The primary goal of the Housing Authority is to provide quality, affordable, and safe housing in the City of Alameda. Programs include Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, specialized housing assistance, family self-sufficiency, affordable real estate development, resident services, and management of AHA owned property.
AHA owns over 300 existing affordable homes in the community adjacent to Webster Street, including the recently opened Rosefield Village on Buena Vista Avenue. AHA’s main offices are located just a few blocks further along on Webster. Additionally, AHA serves as a critical ally of the City of Alameda as the City strives toward adding more housing and reaching the 2023-2031 ABAG/MTC Regional Housing Needs (RHNA) requirements.
