Spring 2003
PLACES: Porterville Gets “Historic” Mixed-Use Project
 Porterville’s
new mixed-use development preserves the past while providing affordable
housing and precious commercial space to the downtown area.
St. James Place, a historic building located in downtown Porterville,
was built in 1917 and originally housed the St. James Hotel and
the Pioneer Land Company. In 1891, the Gem and Mineral Show, which
spawned the formation of the Porterville Chamber of Commerce, was
held on the site where St. James Place now resides.
After being used for 40 years as a drapery store, the building
was in need of repair and renovation. Due to the historical significance
of the site and the building, the City applied for federal grant
money to restore the building.
The motivation behind the building’s renovation was two-fold.
The City not only wanted to return the building to its original
splendor, but also wanted to produce desperately needed affordable
housing and commercial space as well.
The developer, St. James Place, LLC, produced an impressive mixed-use
project with three commercial storefront units and 14 affordable
apartments. The entrance to the residential units is located in
the back of the building, while commercial access is from the front
of the building. Parking for both uses is located toward the rear
of the building.
The total cost of the project was nearly $1.5 million. In addition
to the $1 million provided by the California Department of Housing
and Community Development’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program,
the Redevelopment Agency also assisted with $254,000 in low-and-moderate
income housing funds.
For more information, contact the Porterville Community Development
Department at (559) 782-7460.
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