Peoples' Self-Help Housing

Peoples' Self-Help Housing

For Immediate Release

Press Contact:
Chris Davis
805-687-3322

Victoria Hotel's Grand Opening

Peoples' Self-Help Housing Returns Hotel to its Origins

Santa Barbara, CA, August 8, 2002—Built in 1926, the historic Victoria Hotel is a landmark of Santa Barbara's downtown area and was the last residential hotel in the city as others were demolished or converted for other uses. The building is noted as the first mixed-use, affordable housing project approved by the City. It consists of 28 housing units upstairs, commercial space and the new offices for Peoples' Self-Help Housing and The Duncan Group on the first floor.

"It is an honor to bring the original grandeur and character back to the Victoria Hotel and, at the same time, provide continued affordable housing and support to the low-income residents who live there," said Jeanette Duncan, Executive Director of Peoples' Self-Help Housing.

In 1999, the hotel was acquired by Peoples' Self-Help Housing and, in partnership with the City, the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, the restoration began. Brought back to much of its original California Mission/Art Deco style, the hotel provides affordable housing and a continuation of Peoples' Self-Help Housing services for housing development, construction management, community relations, and resident services.

Peoples' Self-Help Housing is an award winning non-profit organization with over 30 years of experience developing affordable housing and community facilities for low-income and special needs households. PSHH also provides technical assistance in the design and implementation of community development programs for numerous cities, counties, and community groups.

--Media Advisory--

What: Victoria Hotel Grand Opening and Reception

Who: Congresswoman Lois Capps, 1st District Supervisor Naomi Schwatz, Mayor Marty Blum, the Santa Barbara City Council, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, representatives of Peoples' Self-Help Housing, Partners in Development, Construction and Design Team, and friends

When: Thursday, August 8th, 4-7 PM (4:30 PM dedication ceremony)

Where: The Victoria Hotel, 26 E. Victoria Street, Santa Barbara