While a recent hotel closure in Roswell revealed some of the worst conditions found in extended-stay properties, Edward Fernandez runs a hotel he describes as the opposite — clean, secure, and centered on dignity.
His 1st Place Hotel, located off Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur, took in several residents from the Economy Hotel, which was shut down by the city of Roswell in May due to uninhabitable conditions and reports of sex trafficking. Rusted stairwells, exposed electrical wiring near showers and play areas, broken smoke detectors, and a plywood-covered elevator were among the hazards cited. Sue Sullivan, who works closely with Fernandez, said she’s seen hotels in even worse shape.
Fernandez is on a mission to rethink transitional housing. In addition to running 1st Place Hotel, he’s converting a second nearby property into apartments — giving residents a chance to take the next step forward, build credit, and eventually transition into traditional housing.
Fernandez, who turns 37 in June, earned a living producing stage shows and later launched an insurance company. But in 2018, he set his sights on owning and transforming an extended-stay hotel. He purchased the 167-unit property to create a safe, affordable option for people earning low wages. At the time, the hotel was overrun with drugs, gangs, and prostitution.
“Gang members said they weren’t going to leave. People were being killed on the property,” he said. “I had a lot of death threats.”
During the first six months, there were shootings, threats, and even a front desk clerk selling drugs, Fernandez said, adding that he called DeKalb County Police to share his vision and ask for support. Though skeptical at first, officers ultimately helped him clean out the crime.
A DeKalb County spokesperson declined to comment on Fernandez or 1st Place Hotel, citing his pending consideration for public funding.
Today, the hotel is transformed. A recent visit by SaportaReport found the lobby clean and spacious, with marble-style flooring, comfortable seating, and a professionally furnished conference room equipped with whiteboards and a TV for on-site programming. Outside, there’s green space, a picnic area, and a pool. Rooms rent for $400 a week.
Fernandez said he had invested $2.5 million into the property, including $500,000 on security alone.
He believes transitional housing shouldn’t mean substandard conditions. The New Orleans, La. native said he understands what it’s like to grow up without stability and recalled occasions living in both an extended-stay hotel and Section 8 housing.
“I see kids running around this hotel, and I see looks on their faces that resonate with me when I was living in the projects or in a hotel,” he said.
He added, “I realized that poor should not be a death sentence for children that says, ‘Because my parents don’t have financial gain, this is how I have to live.’ Children should be given a chance, too.”
Back in 2013, Fernandez worked for Economy Hotel owner Ali Jamal for less than a year. Jamal did not return an email seeking comment from SaportaReport.
Kindred spirits on a mission
Alongside him now is Sullivan, 63, a successful real estate agent whose mission is also to help the working poor.
“I’m not a really religious person,” she said. “I have no explanation other than to say that God put me out here.”
Sullivan began visiting extended-stay hotels on her own, delivering food and toiletries while simply listening to the residents.
“I’ve been around more violence and more guns and more drug dealers than I can count,” she said. “But for some reason, people who live at these hotels have always felt safe telling their stories. I say, ‘I will be your voice until you have a voice.'”
Last February, 1st Place Hotel was on her list of stops. When she arrived, Fernandez took notice.
“I’ve seen people come and try to do stuff for the guests and give food,” he said. “But she was by herself. She had the courage to wander around the hotel like she was in Brookhaven. I was like, ‘Who is this?'”
Though from different worlds, Fernandez and Sullivan have joined forces to confront a crisis that’s impacting more families, seniors, and children each year.
“This is what [all extended-stay hotels] could be,” Sullivan said of 1st Place Hotel. “If you had owners who were willing to invest money and time and commitment to people, not [always thinking of] profits.”
Sullivan’s role is to work on programming for people staying at the hotel such as financial literacy workshops, tutoring for kids, healthcare needs and trauma care.
She recounted meeting a mother who had lived at the hotel for a couple of years. The woman’s own mother died in the room they shared, and she had to wait several days before the body was removed.
“What does that do to the psyche of that person?” Sullivan asked.
She’s also working on getting the attention of elected officials to tour extended-stay hotels.
“It is amazing and frustrating how little people know about these hotels,” she said. “I’ve done a lot of educating.”
Fernandez added that friends sometimes ask why he is so committed to this cause and investing so much money.
“I say, ‘Because they deserve it,'” he said. “I make money… but I think what makes me sleep better is that I am giving the best that I can.”
Thank you for sharing this story. I like the idea of elected officials visiting to see first hand. But I’m grateful for people who take action and do what they can to help.
Great reporting, Great work – What is the best way to help support these folks