TACOMA, Washington — Another motel converted into an apartment in the city of Tacoma is currently accepting applications from tenants.
This new project by Sage Investment Group has seen the former Hotel Thea converted into studio apartments, described on the Sage Group website as “suitable for fast-paced living.”
The new studio apartments are equipped with a bed, a desk and a large dressing table outside the bathroom, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
“There’s a full-size stove and refrigerator here, so we can offer that and every single one of our appliances,” Whitney Wilkins of Sage Investment Group told KOMO News as she gave us a tour of the new space.
This is the third hotel, a former Choice Hotel, that Sage Investment Group is redeveloping in Tacoma.
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“It was a really great opportunity because it was an all-inclusive hotel and we were able to keep the pool and fitness area,” Wilkins explained.
And it’s not the only hotel/motel conversion along South Hosmer Street.
Mitchell Vasquez told KOMO News he is enjoying his new studio apartment just down the street at Cascade Ridge Apartments.
“I know it was more like a two-star motel before, but the place is nice even for a studio, it’s pretty big. It’s pretty close to the highway and it’s fenced, so it seems safe,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez, who just graduated from college, is still looking for a job as a video game or systems designer and, despite his tight budget, found the amenities he needed at Cascade Ridge.
“This one has something like a utility package. It comes with cable and gigabyte-speed internet, which I need for work. Oh yeah, that was another key thing I was looking for in AC!” Vasquez said.
These are additional benefits for companies remodeling hotels as these systems are already in place.
When some people hear that old hotels and motels are being converted, they automatically think that these are social housing projects or affordable housing projects. But that is not the case. These are micro-housing projects.
“This is affordable housing at market rate, but we really want to be competitive in the market,” Wilkins said.
In addition to the Thea Apartments, the Safe Harbor Apartments, which have been open for almost a year, are also fully occupied.
“Hometown Suites,” Wilkins said, “will be available soon, just down Hosmer Street.”
“We see Hosmer as a corridor of opportunity, so not only are we doing these renovations, but we’re also trying to actively work with the community and the city government. We’re finding ways to get involved and help with improvements and beautification efforts,” Wilkins explained.
Wilkins said they would conduct standard background and income checks and they would also provide on-site management of all their properties.
“When we take over a property, we feel a responsibility to the property, the tenants and the community,” Wilkins said.
Rent for the studios in the new Thea Apartments, which are now open to applicants, is $1,295 to $1,395, with utilities and internet packages offered for about $200 a month.
Vasquez told KOMO News that his base rent five minutes down the road in Cascade Ridge is $1,050. With utilities/internet package, his monthly rent is $1,290.
There is still some work to be done on this property, but the application process is open.
Thea Apartments, 7414 S. Hosmer Street, is offering a free month to anyone who signs a lease by August 31.
