El Rey FAQ

Over the past year we have worked with many partners across the city to stop the planned demolition of The El Rey and bring this historic building back into community use. Now that the purchase is complete, we want to offer clear answers about how the transfer happened, why the building matters, what comes next, and how people can take part in the work.

This page brings together the most common questions we receive about the project. It explains the city processes, the twenty dollar sale, the future plans for affordable housing and cultural spaces, and the path toward raising the funds needed for rehabilitation. It also outlines ways for individuals and organizations to get involved.

The El Rey is a long term public project that will grow and evolve through the participation of many people. We hope this FAQ provides clarity and invites you to stay engaged as we move into the next phase.

CITY AND SALE QUESTIONS

Why did the city forgive such a large loan
The two point two million dollar loan was tied to a mental health housing program that ended years ago. The city determined that the building was no longer financially or operationally feasible as an affordable housing project under the old requirements. Forgiveness will only occur once the building is fully back in service and providing public benefit. The Office of Housing clarified that no Office of Housing tax dollars will be lost because the property originated in the behavioral health system, funded through local and federal homelessness dollars.

Did forgiving the loan mean a loss of taxpayer dollars
No. The Office of Housing stated that the loan did not involve their tax funded programs. The building had already become a financial burden due to long term vacancy, safety issues, and the high cost of maintaining fire watch. Bringing it back into community use prevents demolition, prevents years of a vacant lot, and restores public value to the property.

Why did Sound Health sell the building for only twenty dollars
The transfer price was symbolic. Sound Health determined that repairing, redeveloping, or operating the building was not financially possible for their mission as a behavioral health agency. High rehabilitation costs, underlying infrastructure issues, and redevelopment constraints made reinvestment unworkable. They supported a transfer that would bring the property back into use and remove the ongoing burden of security, utilities, and property taxes.

Why did the city agree to change the regulatory agreement
The old agreement required sixty units at a very low income level. The city found this impossible to achieve due to the building footprint, infrastructure constraints, and the cost of redevelopment. Updating the agreement made preservation possible and allowed the building to serve a new combination of public needs.

Why was the building not restored for mental health or drug treatment
Modern clinical facilities require stricter infrastructure standards. Sound Health explored redevelopment and determined that the building could not meet clinical requirements without extremely high construction costs. The property was no longer viable for their services.

Why is the number of affordable units lower than the original requirements
The building cannot physically or financially support the sixty unit requirement set decades ago. The structure and layout make a smaller number of high quality units the only viable approach. CAM is planning eight to twelve one and two bedroom units for working artists and families at about fifty percent of the area median income.

WHAT THE BUILDING NEEDS

What is the current state of the building
The building has been vacant for more than four years. It has required twenty four hour fire watch due to fire risk, costing hundreds of thousands each year. Environmental and survey work are complete. It needs immediate safety repairs, electrical and mechanical work, and stabilization before rehabilitation can begin.

Now that you own the building, what comes next
The first phase is stabilization. This includes addressing fire safety systems, repairing critical infrastructure, securing the site, patching the roof, and preparing for the larger permitting and construction process. CAM is working with architects and engineers to develop a plan that preserves what exists and brings the building safely back online.

How long will it take until people can move in
The estimate is two to three years for full occupancy. Some parts of the building may open sooner if phased construction proves possible.

PLAN FOR THE BUILDING

How will the building be used
The El Rey will include affordable housing, a full residency floor for partner organizations and visiting artists, nonprofit offices, community rooms, exhibition and event space, classrooms, and two street level creative retail spaces. The basement will be developed with input from the community.

Who will run the affordable housing
CAM will partner with experienced housing organizations and property managers for long term stability and compliance.

Who will run the residency program
CAM, together with partners such as Clarion West and other cultural organizations, will operate a full floor of residency units.

How will the building generate revenue once operational
Revenue will come from affordable housing rents, nonprofit office leases, program use, classes and events, retail partners, and residency activity. These sources will support staffing, maintenance, and long term care of the building.

Who will use the building
Residents, visiting artists, partner organizations, students, cultural workers, nonprofits, and the public. The vision is an accessible community resource that serves many groups.

FUNDRAISING AND FUNDING

How much money will it take to rehabilitate the building
The full cost is estimated at under five million dollars. Higher estimates from past assessments reflected full demolition or full redevelopment standards not required for this preservation project. A repair and preservation strategy allows the project to stay within a lower cost range.

Where will the money come from
Funding will come from philanthropy, public grants, cultural facilities support, partnerships, and community contributions. CAM will run a multi year capital campaign to support stabilization and rehabilitation.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

How can I get involved
Fill out the interest forms on our website to share how you want to participate. There are opportunities for artists, residents, volunteers, partner organizations, donors, and community collaborators.

What kinds of support are most helpful right now
Funding, outreach, partnership connections, building trades support, design and planning help, volunteer work, and growing community visibility for the project.

CAM

What experience do you have with building projects and property management
CAM has operated multiple art spaces for ten years, including studios, a printshop, a bookstore and gallery, classrooms, and event spaces. We work closely with professional architects, engineers, and contractors. This is our first building acquisition and we are supported by partners with long experience in preservation and technical planning.

How will this affect current CAM members
CAM programs at existing locations will continue. As the El Rey comes back to life, members will have access to expanded space, new programs, and additional community resources.