Lawlessness at an abandoned Tenderloin hotel frustrates neighbors. One wants to buy it.

The Civic Center Inn in San Francisco, which closed in 2023, has devolved into a location rife with crime, including drug use and vandalism. Reverend Paul Trudeau, who operates City Hope Cafe next door, seeks to purchase the inn to establish a sober living facility, potentially aiding over 60 individuals. The city has attempted to address the situation through outreach and cleanup efforts, yet residents report that these measures have not sufficiently improved conditions. Supervisor Bilal Mahmood supports Trudeau's vision but ultimately hopes the site could reopen as a hotel. The property's current owner, Vijay Patel, has not committed to selling, indicating uncertainty about the future of the building.

An LLC associated with the property owes the city significant unpaid taxes, complicating matters further. Local voices emphasize the need for decisive action to prevent further deterioration of the Tenderloin neighborhood. The ongoing situation reflects broader issues of urban decay and community safety.