Editors’ note: This week we’re republishing some of our favorite stories of 2025. This story was first published on Sept. 5.
The five Berkeley buildings owned by members of the Louie family all have a similar look. Their exteriors are weathered, with faded paint and peeling trim. The curtains are drawn in their windows. Some are surrounded by padlocked metal gates.
They look, in other words, like places where nobody lives, and nobody has lived for a while…