PAGE 6 THE FOUNDATION: BLENDING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT, BUILT ON A LEGACY OF SERVICE
In the heart of Chico, California, at 1297 Park Avenue, a new chapter in community and well- being is unfolding. Developed by Jamboree Housing, The Foundation is a testament to resilience and transformation, honoring a century- old legacy of service that has evolved from icehouses to nonprofits to affordable housing. In 1908, A.G. Eames established the Chico Ice and Cold Storage Company located at 1297 Park Avenue. The Chico Ice and Cold Storage Company provided a crucial service to the community by offering reliable food preservation before the widespread use of refrigeration. These icehouses allowed families and businesses to keep food fresh longer, reducing spoilage and waste. This was especially important in warmer climates where access to ice not only improved public health by lowering the risk of foodborne illnesses but also supported local economies by enabling farmers and butchers to store and sell fresh products. The Chico Ice and Cold Storage Company was central to maintaining food security, a fundamental need for the community. As refrigerators became a more common household appliance, the needs in the Chico community shifted but the community-driven services did not. After the icehouse closed, the site became the
home of the Jesus Center in the 1980s.
increasing need to care for those in need and provide affordable housing created a unique opportunity when the Jesus Center relocated and expanded, leaving 1297 Park Avenue open for new possibilities. On August 15, 2024, the Chico community came together to celebrate the grand opening of The Foundation, an affordable housing community that continues the legacy of service at this storied address. “The Legacy of The Foundation site has been so beautifully preserved by the magnificent transformation made possible by the collaborative efforts of Jamboree, Butte County Affordable Housing Development Corporation and their partners,” stated Richard Shea, SVP,
For decades, the Jesus Center provided hope and hospitality to those in need - offering meals, showers, grooming services and access to essential resources. It became a beacon of light for the homeless and hungry in Chico, continuing the site’s long-standing tradition of service. As natural disasters like the 2018 Camp Fire, the 2021 Dixie Fire, and other recent natural disasters, including the ongoing Park Fire, struck Butte County, the number of displaced and homeless individuals grew significantly. The Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history, destroyed over 18,000 structures, with a majority of those being residential homes. The
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