Old Bart's Tahoe Apartments in South Lake Tahoe gets clean bill of health under new ownership

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The new owners of what was called Bart's Tahoe Apartments in South Lake Tahoe finalized the purchase of the complex in December 2021 for $6M and have been working diligently with the City in correcting the long list of problems that had plagued the property located at 1224 Ski Run Blvd.

They have now passed the South Lake Tahoe Multi-Family Dwelling and Inspection Program and earned a clean bill of health along with a certificate of compliance.

Back in December 2018, the former owner of Bart's Tahoe Apartments was issued a formal Notice and Order to repair and abate by the City of South Lake Tahoe. As a result of ongoing issues and a lack of willingness to fix the problems, they were given 90 days to address a long list of safety issues and code violations.

The 90 days came and went, and the owner, Vernice Zanco, was issued continued extensions through the courts to complete the work that included a damaged parking area, mold, pests, signs of flooding, flooring, and structural damage. In 2006 the City shut down 15 units at Bart's due to a collapsed and leaking roof, heavy mold, and cockroach infestations that were unacceptable. At the time they cited those 15 units as "unsafe to occupy."

The 36 units in the complex are one- and two-bedroom apartments for a total of 60 bedrooms, and 37 bathrooms. In a time when there is a lack of affordable housing, a completely repaired, remodeled, and safe property gives renters a good option for renting, though it will no longer be considered affordable housing for new tenants. Rents will be market-rate according to one of the new owners, David Washburn.

The new owners are a group of investors with Washburn, family members, and friends of his through the Harvey's Tahoe Poker Room, among others. They either live in or have lived in South Lake Tahoe. They said they have been working diligently for the past 3.5 months with the City and housing inspector Harry Lamphere to remodel the apartments. Part of the sale agreement was for Zanco's heirs (she passed away in July 2021 at the age of 81) to finish up the City's rehab requests.

"We care about this community, and we're hopeful our efforts send a signal that the old Bart's Tahoe reputation is gone for good," said Washburn.

At this time they aren't using the Bart's Tahoe Apartments name and calling it Ski Run Apartments of 1224 Ski Run (the address) though the permanent name has not been decided.

Part of the sale was a second lot at the back of 1224 Ski Run, a lot on Terry Lane. Washburn said their ultimate dream would be to work on plans for that area and it could include affordable housing.