Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians completes construction on Buellton apartment complex

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has announced the completion a new construction project.

The Avenue Heights Apartments complex is made up of three buildings on Second Street in Buellton.

There are 62 units and a dozen of them are designated for affordable housing.

“The Avenue Heights Apartments was an economic development opportunity for the tribe. We have worked hard to diversify our portfolio,” said tribal chairman Kenneth Kahn.

Construction began in August of 2015.

Kahn said the project comes as the city undergoes a revitalization, but he did not specify how much the complex cost to build.

“Those numbers are not published. Certainly, we are very frugal when it comes to our budgeting and we are excited to say we’ve come in right on our mark,” Kahn said.

Kahn said the tribe is proud that the project created jobs in the community.

Leasing begins in February through Pacifica Property Management Company.

The tribe also owns and operates the Chumash Casino Resort, which is located on its reservation in Santa Ynez, along with other hotels and gas stations.