Historic downtown hotel converted into permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Representatives from Mercy Housing California and Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) joined elected officials and others in a dedication celebration for the completion of the St. Clare at Capitol Park. The community located at 1125 9th Street was formerly the Capitol Park Hotel in Sacramento’s downtown core.

The project converted the historic 180-unit single-room occupancy building into 134 studio, affordable, permanent supportive apartment homes.

“The renovated apartment homes at St. Clare at Capitol Park help to address the need for permanent supportive housing in Sacramento,” said MHC President Doug Shoemaker. “Working with our partners to provide a stable home for unhoused individuals is central to solving one of the city’s biggest crises.”

Originally built in 1912 the building has served many purposes, including a furniture store and warehouse, two separate hotels, and a business college. Known as the Capitol Park Hotel since the 1960s, it was constructed as two separate buildings connected on all but one of its floors.

Iconic Sacramento Hotel Restored

“The restoration of the historic Capitol Park Hotel is an amazing feat on its own, but doing so to turn it into affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness on our streets is nothing short of extraordinary,” added Sacramento City Councilmember Kate Valenzuela. “I want to thank the Mercy Housing and SHRA teams for working so hard to get this project across the finish line, and I look forward to building community with its residents for years to come!”

From September 2019 to October 2020, the single-room occupancy hotel served as a temporary homeless shelter as part of the City of Sacramento and SHRA’s urgent response to the worsening homeless crisis. Following the shelter’s closure at the end of October, Mercy Housing began rehabilitation work to reconfigure the property for transition to permanent supportive housing.

SHRA Executive Director, La Shelle Dozier adds, “The transformation of this iconic building in the heart of Sacramento’s downtown was a clarion call to address the dire need for permanent supportive housing. SHRA is proud to be among the many partners to answer the call by assisting this project with nearly $23 million in gap funding for St. Clare at Capitol Park, opening the doors for the city’s most vulnerable residents where they will find comfort, safety, opportunity, and hope.”

St Clare at Capitol Park Answers Demand for Critical Affordable Housing 

“The rehabilitation of St. Clare at Capitol Park into 134 affordable homes arrives at a critical time for Sacramento, where the demand for permanent supportive housing remains high,” said James Vossoughi, Executive Director of Community Development Banking at JPMorgan Chase. “We are immensely proud to support Mercy Housing and know these homes will be an invaluable asset to the community, offering not only essential amenities but also onsite supportive services.”

The apartments feature kitchenettes and full bathrooms. Additional amenities include a spacious community room, individual and group setting meeting areas, and bicycle parking. The County of Sacramento and other community partners also provide round-the-clock property management and extensive onsite case management and support services.

St. Clare at Capitol Park was recently awarded a 2024 Best Projects Award from Engineering News-Record- ENR California region (includes HI) in the Renovation/Restoration category.

Mercy Housing Management Group (MHMG) is the property manager for St. Clare at Capitol Park and the property is leased by referral only.