The Chumash Tribe celebrates Avenue Heights Apartments with ribbon cutting

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday morning to celebrate the opening of the Avenue Heights Apartments in Buellton.

Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn, along with Buellton City officials and local residents, were on hand for the celebration.

One of the 62 units was available for tours; a dozen of the apartments are designated for affordable housing.

The Avenue Heights Apartments complex is made up of three buildings on Second Street in Buellton and took nearly a year and a half to build.

NewsChannel 3 talked to Kahn earlier this month when construction on the complex was complete.

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

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.