Upgrading Affordable Housing for Seniors: Saint Mary's Gardens Apartments

On a sunny Oakland street stands Saint Mary’s Gardens Apartments, an affordable housing community for seniors built in 1979. The complex manages 101 units for a diverse group of elderly residents.

In 2023, Saint Mary’s completed a three-year upgrade project in collaboration with BayREN and Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH). Gideon Anders, the Treasurer of the Saint Mary’s Elderly Housing Corporation, initially reached out to SOMAH for assistance with solar upgrades. Through SOMAH, they received technical support, guidance on complex financial structures, and assistance with contractor bidding. SOMAH also recommended energy efficiency evaluations before installing solar, leading Gideon to BayREN and other rebate programs, including TECH Clean California and the California Low Income Weatherization program (LIWP).

The upgrades made to the building include replacing the gas water heating system and common area HVAC with electric heat pumps and installing solar panels.

Residents are pleased with these upgrades, expecting the improvements to reduce their energy usage while also providing environmental and health benefits. 

Interested in upgrading your multifamily property? Learn more about BayREN’s Bay Area Multifamily Enhancement (BAMBE) Program.