The city of Fresno, Calif., and Fresno City College are hoping to convert a local motel to affordable housing for students attending the college.
The city is seeking about $13 million from Homekey 2.0 so it can acquire and renovate the San Joaquin Hotel into affordable housing units, reports The Fresno Bee.
If the plan moves forward,hotel rooms would be converted by fall 2022 to 69 apartments that can accommodate about 300 students. Student rent would be subsidized, and those wishing to live at the renovated hotel must enroll in at least 9 courses and maintain a 2.0 GPA, reports California News Times.Around 50% of the apartment complex would be reserved for students aged 18 to 24 in compliance with receiving Homekey funds set aside for assisting young adults, according to project officials.
The San Joaquin Hotel about a 10-minute drive from the community college.
The project is in partnership with the city of Fresno, developers UPholdings and RH Community Builders, the Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission, and Fresno City College to provide about 300 students with homes who are considered homeless.
Upon receiving Homekey funds, UPholdings would purchase and renovate the hotel. The funding would allocate about $13 million for the project with about $10.5 million going toward purchasing the property.
