The Altenheim

Property Description

The Altenheim (German for “Elder’s Home”), is a senior residence on a six-acre campus in Oakland’s Dimond district. The community was founded in the 1890s by immigrants from German-speaking countries, and the structures mostly date from the 1910s. The Altenheim historic rehabilitation project restored the beautiful campus and 3-acre gardens, part of the cultural legacy of the home and neighborhood, while also creating modern, affordable apartments for low-income seniors. The property is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was chosen to receive the 2007 Partners in Preservation Award from the Oakland Heritage Alliance.

Phase 1 of the project renovated existing structures and combined rooms to create 93 new apartments with full kitchens and baths. The renovation also restored over 10,000 square feet of common areas including a two-story rotunda with a lobby, music lounge, library and offices; a large dining hall with half-timbered, painted beams; a smaller community room known as Prior Hall, which opens directly onto one of the gardens; and two solaria which residents use as quiet lounges and gathering areas.

The second phase of this development provided an additional 81 senior apartments, including 28 homes reserved for seniors with disabilities currently experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.