The Publix Hotel in the International District was home for low-income residents since 1928 until it closed its doors in 2003. Now, a company you wouldn't expect to be in the business on rehabilitating old landmarks will rehabilitate the old landmark. Asian grocery chain Uwajimaya, which owns the building, announced Friday that they will begin remaking the hotel as well as an adjacent building to the south.
In addition to market-rate housing, the redevelopment will have street-level retail, according to a press release. Construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2014. The project cost was not disclosed, and Uwajimaya officials were unavailable. According to the release, the hotels rooms will be converted into studio and 1-BR apartments. The lobby will be restored and a separate retail entrance will be installed.
· Uwajimaya to rehab Chinatown landmark, the Publix Hotel [PSBJ]