After more than seven years, reconstruction has begun on the former Hawaiian Village apartment complex in Ventura, which was destroyed in the 2017 Thomas Fire. The new 52-unit project, now named Bella Vita, is expected to welcome residents by early 2027. The first of four buildings is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year. The complex aims to recapture its previous charm, offering beautiful views and modern amenities. The developers hope to attract former residents back to the community.

The Maulhardt-Stiles development represents an exciting step forward in addressing Ventura County’s housing needs while enhancing the Northeast Oxnard community. If approved and developed as envisioned, the project could bring significant economic and social benefits, providing housing opportunities and new amenities for residents.

March 28, 2025

Building a Stronger Ventura in a space where community voices shape the future! Whether you’re interested in development, permits, housing, or city planning, this is your hub for staying informed and getting involved. The goal is to keep the community connected with the latest projects, initiatives, and opportunities to engage with Community Development staff.

As Los Angeles rebuilds after the fires and housing demand continues to rise, homeowners and developers are seeking innovative ways to create affordable, sustainable, and resilient living spaces.

April 26 & 27, 2025

Over two days and nine inspiring films, discover the bold visions of renowned architects like Eileen Gray and R.M. Schindler, the groundbreaking artistry of Anselm Kiefer and Nam June Paik, the creative courage of women street artists and the timeless innovation of Man Ray’s cinematic masterpieces, all in a celebration of art, architecture and imagination.

When disaster strikes, rebuilding offers a chance to not just restore what was lost, but to create something better. In the wake of the devastating Pacific Palisades fire, which destroyed more than 5,500 homes, a heated debate has emerged: Should rebuilding efforts include more affordable housing, or should the affluent enclave remain exclusive?

The 2030 Challenge is not just an aspirational goal—it’s a necessary transformation for the future of our planet. Architects, builders, and policymakers must work together to create a built environment that is both resilient and regenerative.

A passel of recent California laws were supposed to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing. According to YIMBY Law, they haven’t even come close

In Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It, urban planner M. Nolan Gray takes a deep dive into the history of zoning, its consequences, and how we can create better cities by reforming or even eliminating it altogether.

Residential architecture continues to evolve, driven by a commitment to creativity and customer satisfaction. The trends shaping 2025 and beyond—from smart technology and multifunctional designs to sustainable practices and age-friendly features—highlight the industry’s adaptability and innovation.

Something remarkable is happening on Santa Barbara’s Mesa. What might have been an ordinary demolition project is instead becoming a model for sustainability, innovation, and community impact. Crews are hard at work on a residential deconstruction project, carefully dismantling a home to salvage reusable materials and divert them from our already overburdened landfills.

The City of Ventura, in partnership with ForeFront Power, has started construction on two solar energy projects at Ventura Community Park and the Police/Fire Headquarters. Together, these projects will deliver 900 kilowatt-DC (kW DC) of renewable energy through solar parking canopies at both sites.

Steven Stenzler, left, and Michael Gunning, center, with moderator Mack Carlson, discuss the issues facing the housing industry in the year ahead. The panel was held at the 2024 Santa Barbara Housing Conference on Thursday, December 5.

Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive bipartisan housing package to build on California’s long-term strategy to help address homelessness and housing scarcity.

For those passionate about the art and science of design, attending the Monterey Design Conference is an investment in professional growth, creativity, and inspiration. MDC is a rare opportunity to step outside the everyday demands of the profession, connect with others who share your passion, and return to your practice with renewed motivation and innovative ideas.

Cooperative housing is gaining momentum as an innovative solution to the housing affordability crisis in the U.S. Projects like Seattle's Corvidae Co-op showcase collaborative ownership models that blend architectural creativity with financial inclusivity.

Becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner is no easy feat. It’s a path that demands determination, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the promise of a better future. For one Santa Barbara family, this journey is about more than just building a house—it’s about building stability, opportunity, and a brighter tomorrow.

Santa Barbara’s housing crisis continues to push city planners, developers, and community members to ask one pressing question: where should we build? In a region where space is limited and housing costs soar, balancing the demand for more housing with the need to preserve Santa Barbara’s character is challenging. This article from the Montecito Journal dives into potential solutions, looking at how urban infill, zoning adjustments, and thoughtful development could address housing needs while respecting the environment and community identity.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

The housing crisis is complex and multifaceted, but together, we can make a difference. Attending the Santa Barbara Housing Conference is an opportunity to engage with the region’s thought leaders, contribute to ongoing discussions, and find ways to get involved in crafting solutions for our community.

By working together, we can bridge the affordability gap and move toward a future where Santa Barbara’s workforce has access to housing that’s both affordable and accessible. We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Housing Santa Barbara Day, organized by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, is an annual event dedicated to promoting awareness and providing valuable resources to those seeking affordable housing. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, October 19, at De La Guerra Plaza, with activities running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The day features a mix of informational booths, expert-led workshops, and community resources, making it an essential occasion for anyone interested in affordable housing opportunities in the area.