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By Niki Kolisch on July 9, 2025 in News
The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara’s (HASBARCO) newest development, Escalante Meadows, is nothing short of spectacular. The history and stories behind it will undoubtedly touch your heart just as they did for us. And the impact it will have on its small community will be felt for years to come.
The development was constructed in the 1950s as “Guadalupe Ranch Acres,” a 52-unit public housing complex. About ten years ago, HASBARCO determined the aging property was due for redevelopment. With support from a variety of funding sources, the team was able to tear down the original buildings and rebuild, this time creating 80 new units.
But the roots run deep, quite literally. In the center of the property stands an old oak tree left untouched from the original construction. It’s something the locals now call the “wishing tree.” A young girl in the community hugged it and made a simple wish: that she and her mother could move into one of the units. Just two weeks later, they were handed the keys.
The tree now stands as a living reminder of hope and the real impact of affordable housing.
The history
The new development sits on Guadalupe Street, named in honor of World War II Veteran Sgt. Augustin Escalante. To honor the family legacy, HASBARCO’s team named the development Escalante Meadows.
Why this project?
Escalante Meadows is located in Guadalupe, California, just 70 miles north of Santa Barbara. The small, primarily Hispanic farming community holds a population of roughly 8,000 people. Like many small cities, Guadalupe is in the middle of an affordable housing crisis, especially for working-class families. Rents are rising faster than wages and many households are living in tight quarters, with multiple generations sharing a small space simply because there aren’t enough affordable homes to go around.
More than just housing
The Escalante Meadows project goes far beyond just a housing. Not only have they provided more affordable homes, but they’ve done something that brings a sense of hope to a town that once felt isolated and unheard.
What sets it apart is a 20,000 square-foot center that will serve as a central hub for Guadalupe. The idea grew out of a grassroots conversation between HASBARCO, the local school district and other community stakeholders who wanted to bring lasting resources to residents.
The first floor of the center will house an early childhood development center, serving infants and children up to five years old. The second floor will offer communal seating areas, a full kitchen and flexible space that nonprofits can use for services, workshops and events.
In a city with so few public resources, the center is the missing piece that the community has needed for years — a place that brings people together and offers basic services. “It’s a space where non-profit organizations can provide services to not only our residents, but the greater community as well,” shares Bob Havlicek, Executive Director of HASBARCO.
Takeaways
The story of Escalante Meadows is a testament to what’s possible when housing authorities listen to their communities and adapt projects to their needs. At first glance, the executive director questioned whether they could pull off a community center of this size. But sure enough, with persistence and diverse funding sources, they made it happen.
Do you have a project that is changing lives in your community? Or maybe just an innovative approach to building or resident services. Yardi would like to feature your development and share your story. Email [email protected] to connect with us.
