In the heart of Chico, California, at 1297 Park Avenue, a new chapter in community and well-being is unfolding. Developed by Jamboree Housing, The Foundation is a testament to resilience and transformation, honoring a century-old legacy of service that has evolved from icehouses to nonprofits to affordable housing.
In 1908, A.G. Eames established the Chico Ice and Cold Storage Company located at 1297 Park Avenue. The Chico Ice and Cold Storage Company provided a crucial service to the community by offering reliable food preservation before the widespread use of refrigeration. These icehouses allowed families and businesses to keep food fresh longer, reducing spoilage and waste. This was especially important in warmer climates where access to ice not only improved public health by lowering the risk of foodborne illnesses but also supported local economies by enabling farmers and butchers to store and sell fresh products. The Chico Ice and Cold Storage Company was central to maintaining food security, a fundamental need for the community. As refrigerators became a more common household appliance, the needs in the Chico community shifted but the community-driven services did not. After the icehouse closed, the site became the home of the Jesus Center in the 1980s.
For decades, the Jesus Center provided hope and hospitality to those in need - offering meals, showers, grooming services and access to essential resources. It became a beacon of light for the homeless and hungry in Chico, continuing the site's long-standing tradition of service. As natural disasters like the 2018 Camp Fire, the 2021 Dixie Fire, and other recent natural disasters, including the ongoing Park Fire, struck Butte County, the number of displaced and homeless individuals grew significantly. The Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, destroyed over 18,000 structures, with a majority of those being residential homes. The increasing need to care for those in need and provide affordable housing created a unique opportunity when the Jesus Center relocated and expanded, leaving 1297 Park Avenue open for new possibilities.
On August 15, 2024, the Chico community came together to celebrate the grand opening of The Foundation, an affordable housing community that continues the legacy of service at this storied address.
“The Legacy of The Foundation site has been so beautifully preserved by the magnificent transformation made possible by the collaborative efforts of Jamboree, Butte County Affordable Housing Development Corporation and their partners,” stated Richard Shea, SVP, Originator at CREA. “From being an Ice Distribution site to help people keep their food safe to becoming a site where Jesus Center helped people improve their lives to now 58 units of affordable housing, this site will carry on its tradition of serving the community.”
The Foundation, named to honor the history beneath its ground, was built upon layers of the past. During construction, throughout the 1.15 acre lot, workers uncovered seven foundations from the original Chico Ice and Cold Storage Company, a symbol of the enduring community support established here over the years. The name also emphasizes the critical role stable housing plays in fostering healthy living for all families. The development offers 58 affordable apartments, including 20 studios, 30 one-bedroom, and eight two-bedroom homes, along with a three-bedroom single-family home for the onsite manager. Continuing the legacy of the Jesus Center, 27 of these homes are specifically set aside for individuals with special needs, such as physical or sensory disabilities, mental health challenges, or chronic illnesses.
The Foundation is more than housing - it is a community. The amenities are designed to foster connection and growth among residents. A community room and kitchen offer spaces for gatherings, while a computer lab, community garden, and small pet area provide opportunities for learning and leisure. Outdoor courtyards with BBQ facilities, private balconies, energy-efficient appliances and secured bike storage add to the comfort and convenience provided. A rooftop solar array ensures that utility bills remain affordable, reflecting the development’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, Jamboree's Community Impact team provides services that bring educational opportunities to residents, helping them to expand their skills and knowledge.
“With unwavering dedication from our partners at CREA, Banner Bank, Butte County, Butte County Housing Authority, City of Chico, California Department of Housing and Community Development, and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, we transformed an underutilized site into a flourishing community," said Katherine McFadden, Vice President Northern California at Jamboree. "Together, we hurdled over numerous environmental, financial and logistical challenges. The Foundation proves how collective effort can change lives, reminding us why we pour our hearts into making a difference.”
The Foundation stands as a symbol of continuousness, blending the past and the present with a commitment to serving the Chico community and beyond. It is not just a place to live, but a place where people can thrive, building their lives on the solid foundation of support that has defined 1297 Park Avenue for over a century. As Chico continues to grow and change, The Foundation will remain a lasting resource, carrying forward the legacy of service that began with an icehouse and now blossoms in the heart of a community.
Financing
In addition to LIHTC equity provided through CREA Corporate Tax Credit Fund 84, The Foundation was financed with a $16.8 MM Construction Loan from Banner Bank, as well as over $3MM by the City of Chico through a HOME loan, Community Development Block Grant and Disaster Recovery programs. $659,000 in permanent financing from the Disaster Recovery Multifamily Housing Program funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development and administered by Butte County. In addition, the Housing Authority of the County of Butte will provide 43 Project-Based Vouchers over 20 years, valued at approximately $11.5 million.
Economic Impact
Based on averages provided by the National Association of Home Builders, in its first year, The Foundation will generate over 70 jobs, $4.6MM in local income, and $479.7k in taxes saved, as well as $1.4MM in local income, and $255.8k in taxes saved annually.
*Source: National Association of Home Builders. Note: Totals are based on national estimates regarding the economic impact of residential construction for the U.S. economy as of April 1, 2020.