HISTORY OVERVIEW
Alexander Gardens, a retirement community in Santa Barbara, California, has a rich history rooted in its architectural heritage and its dedication to providing care for seniors. The Alexander House, the main building, was built in 1906 and blends Craftsman and Mission Revival styles. In 1928, Henrietta Alexander purchased the property, and after her husband’s death in 1938, she gave it to the Santa Barbara Association for Old Age Care Inc. in 1939, who used it to open a retirement community. Since then, the property has been a home for seniors, with various managers and owners over the years. In 2014, Mitch Leichter and Gary Linker, along with other investors, took ownership and continue to offer a unique senior living experience.
Key Milestones:
- 1906: The Alexander House, designed in a mix of Craftsman and Mission Revival styles, is built by Francis W. Wilson.
- 1928: Henrietta Alexander purchases the property and lives there with her husband until his death in 1938.
- 1939: Henrietta Alexander gifts the property to the Santa Barbara Association for Old Age Care Inc., which opens a retirement community.
- 2014: Mitch Leichter and Gary Linker acquire the property and begin offering a Bed and Breakfast Lifestyle for seniors.
- 2018: Leichter and Linker acquire Villa Alamar Memory Care, further expanding their senior living offerings.
