Emerging From the Ashes: Paradise Gardens Senior Community Prevails in Post-Wildfire California

The story of the newly revamped Paradise Gardens III—an affordable housing development in Paradise, California—is one of turning trials into triumph. Over the course of several years, the revitalization of the 48-unit senior community weathered transactional issues, funding hiccups, and, most prominently, almost total physical decimation in the massive 2018 Camp Fire.

But creativity and perseverance won out, and from a tragic, community-changing event emerged a much-needed housing option for low-income seniors—one that’s accessible, affordable, and, more important, safer than ever from local wildfire risk.

“Our town is so excited to see the completion of Paradise Gardens III,” says Paradise mayor Steve Crowder. “After the Camp Fire, Paradise and the entire Butte County has suffered a lack of housing, especially affordable housing.”

The newly revamped Paradise Gardens—originally built in 1979—boasts 48 units, all reserved for seniors earning 30% of the area median income or less. The $20.2 million property features fire-hardened roofs, siding, and windows; fire-resistant landscaping; and a 100-foot no-vegetation buffer zone around all structures. The exterior walls, doors, and windows are noncombustible, and all of the buildings have full sprinkler systems, too.

In addition to the extra wildfire protection, Paradise Gardens residents enjoy granite countertops, central A/C, and stainless steel Energy Star appliances in every unit, and, communitywide, there’s free Wi-Fi, a central laundry room, adult education classes, and an annual no-cost dental clinic. All units are 100% ADA compliant. 

“Paradise Gardens III is unique in that it consists of 12 fourplexes and a community building,” says Cynthia Michels, development and asset manager at Impact Development Group. “It feels more like a ‘home’ than the traditional style of apartment complexes.”