Demolition crews are breaking down Grace Lutheran Church Tuesday

The church on 3869 State Street has been a part of the community for 113 years.

After careful deliberation and a group vote, the church gifted the church and land to the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara for co-development with Front Porch Development Company to create an affordable housing complex for seniors. It’ll be named Grace Village.

Everyday, thousands of Americans enter the senior population. By 2030, the aging population will include 8.8 million Americans.

Most of them live on a fixed income that is too low to afford a studio apartment in Santa Barbara. This housing complex will help at least 57 seniors who have been on a wait-list for 6 years.

Construction is expected to begin in February and crews are hoping to have people move in by the holidays. It’ll be a three-story building with 57 one-bedroom rental units.