Sacramento, CA – Officials from the City of Sacramento and Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) joined executives from Jamboree Housing Corporation today to cut the ribbon officially reopening the newly renovated Hotel Berry at 729 L Street which has been renamed The Studios at Hotel Berry.
“Hotel Berry meets our mission to provide quality affordable housing for the very low income workforce,” said Laura Archuleta, president of Jamboree Housing Corporation.
The Studios at the Hotel Berry features 105 fully furnished single room occupancy studio units affordable to individuals with income between 30 percent and 45 percent of the Area Median Income in Sacramento County. Ten units are set aside for residents who will receive supportive services through funding provided under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA. A convenience store and deli will be located on the ground floor.
Mayor Kevin Johnson said the project is a perfect example of public/private partnerships working together. “Our mission is Sacramento as a city that works for everyone and if you want to achieve that you need to revitalize downtown and that has to include everyone,” said the Mayor.
Funding for the $25 million rehabilitation project included $10 million in redevelopment funds and a tax credit exchange for an award of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds in the amount of $13,561,066.
SHRA (www.shra.org) is a Joint Powers Authority created by the City and County of Sacramento to represent both jurisdictions for affordable housing and community redevelopment needs. The Agency is the leading public developer of affordable housing and oversees residential and commercial revitalization activities in 14 redevelopment areas throughout the City and County. SHRA has a FY 2012 budget of $236 million and 253 employees. The Agency owns and manages 3,144 units of public housing and is one of the largest landlords in Sacramento. SHRA also administers approximately 11,500 rental assisted vouchers per month.
SHRA Executive Director La Shelle Dozier said the project is worth the investment. “These are projects that we can’t afford not to do because the consequences are so great,” said Dozier. It’s imperative to provide housing in the downtown area so that all of our communities are complete.”
In keeping with Jamboree’s commitment to sustainability, The Studios at Hotel Berry features ENERGY STAR ceiling fans, water-saving fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms, CRI Green Label carpeting, and low-VOC interior paint and adhesives. Its reduced energy use will exceed California’s Title 24 energy efficiency standards by more than 15 percent. The property’s downtown location makes it a viable Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The building is within walking distance of several modes of public transportation including light rail, bus lines and an Amtrak rail station.
Daniel Drazich, a retiree and one of the first residents who moved in this week said he immediately fell in love with the downtown.
“I’m so happy to live here and to be able to afford it,” said Drazich. I’m just an average guy who wants to live in a comfortable place and I thank you for this great opportunity.”
The Studios at the Hotel Berry is managed by The John Stewart Company. For leasing information, call (916) 443-1890.