"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
The Start of Bayside's Mission
Listen to Gary and Susan Keister, two of Bayside’s founding voices, share how a vision for housing took shape.
Our Sustainability Model
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Introduction: Bayside Housing & Services
Bayside Housing & Services is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the Jefferson County community through housing, advocacy, and human services supporting social and economic independence.
Bayside founders are the perfect example of a few people changing the world. The founders acquired The Old Alcohol Plant in 2015 and also established non-profit organization, Bayside Housing & Services using a creative, one of a kind approach.
While other organizations have converted hotels for use as homeless shelters or transitional housing, Bayside and the hotel elected to retain the hotel business as part of a sustainability model. Some rooms are set aside for transitional, temporary housing, while others remain available for hotel guests.
As the need rises the vision expands. The need for temporary housing and affordable permanent housing has exploded. In the original vision of service, the hope was that people could be assisted into permanent, affordable housing in a few months. That guest stay has grown exponentially due to the affordable housing shortage. Bayside has since expanded its vision and is now working on additional temporary housing in the areas as well as developing permanent housing solutions.
Proceeds from room stays at The Old Alcohol Plant or The Starrett House, as well as from Events, the OAP farmstand, gift shop, Spirits Bar & Grill, and Bayside Art Gallery, all help fund Bayside’s programs.
These partners play a vital role in support for Bayside's mission.
Part I: The Old Alcohol Plant Inn
Chapter One: A Historic Hotel is Transformed
Originally built in 1911 by Charles Adams, father of photographer Ansel Adams, as a manufacturing plant, the building was later reimagined as a boutique inn.
In 2015, it became home to Bayside Housing & Services, a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter and support to the Jefferson County community.
The Old Alcohol Plant Inn was redeveloped with a dual mission: to preserve a historic property while directly addressing the region’s housing crisis.
The Inn operates as both a boutique hotel and a base for transitional and supportive housing. The vision is to use the revenue from hotel operations, dining, events, and the art gallery to sustain housing programs, while setting aside rooms specifically for individuals and families in need.
The private guests of this boutique hotel are well informed about its use as a transitional housing service. Judging by repeat business, and by the frequent donations of hotel guests, the approach has been a success.
Since May 2016, when the first residents moved in, Bayside, with the help of the Inn, has provided:
150,000+
Safe Bed Nights
417
People Housing
Over 60%
Moved to long-term housing
Since 2018,
The Farmstand has provided:
8,000+
Pounds of Produce
For the restaurant and Bayside meals.
Part I: The Old Alcohol Plant Inn
Chapter Two: Susan's Garden
The vision for the Old Alcohol Plant Inn’s gardens began with Gary and Susan Keister, who always believed that if they were to open a restaurant, it must be truly garden-to-table.
Today, that dream flourishes across the Inn’s vibrant gardens, which provide fresh produce for Spirits Bar & Grill. Beyond flavor, the gardens embody a commitment to sustainability—reducing food miles, enriching the soil, and creating a living cycle where the land directly nourishes both the restaurant and the community it serves.
Since 2018 our gardeners have transformed over three acres of the property into sprawling edible and botanical gardens which supply Spirits Bar & Grill, our on-site Farmstand, and residents and guests alike.
Part I: The Old Alcohol Plant Inn
Chapter Three: Raising Spirits
Since opening on St. Patrick’s Day in 2017, Spirits Bar & Grill has been more than a restaurant, it has been a place of nourishment, purpose, and care.
Guided by Executive Chef Troy, the kitchen is built on his passion for pure nutrition, seasonal ingredients, and creating a safe, supportive workplace where people can grow.
Bayside Skill Center
That tradition of empowerment has now expanded into the Bayside Skill Center, where Chef Troy mentors a new generation of students. In this hands-on culinary training program, students gain real-world experience while preparing meals that nourish guests, residents, and Bayside programs.
This hands-on learning environment empowers individuals with real-world job skills while also helping sustain Bayside’s commitment to feeding and uplifting the community.
The kitchen has become both classroom and community, where every dish represents not only skill and care, but the promise of brighter futures.
Since its opening in 2017,
the Spirits Bar & Grill kitchen has provided:
39,000+
Nutritious Meals
Chef Troy’s belief in teaching and uplifting others through food began at home. His first “students” were his own children, each of whom developed a unique love for food and service that continues today.
You may even meet them at the Inn, one tending the gardens and carrying forward the garden-to-table vision, another serving with warmth and a love of hospitality, and his son-in-law working alongside Troy on the line.
One of his sons who once trained here has since gone on to become an executive chef elsewhere, further proof of how strong this foundation can be.
Part I: The Old Alcohol Plant Inn
Chapter Four: Art that Inspires
The Bayside Art Gallery is both a cultural space and a cornerstone of Bayside Housing & Services’ mission.
Showcasing works from regional and local artists, the gallery fosters creativity, brings people together, and generates vital support for Bayside programs.
A highlight of the collection includes framed giclée prints from co-founder Susan Keister, whose art—once shared only within her close circles—now stands as a lasting legacy of her compassion and vision.
Each exhibition and purchase helps sustain housing and supportive services, transforming artistic expression into direct community impact.
Part II: The Starrett House
Chapter One: Promise & Community
Bayside Housing & Services proudly embarked on a new chapter with the acquisition of the historic Starrett House. Our heartfelt goal was to convert this charming Victorian bed and breakfast into secure, affordable housing for working women – fostering stability and empowerment within our community.
Navigating city regulations brought unforeseen adjustments to our original vision. However, our commitment to providing essential housing solutions is stronger than ever. We are thrilled to share that progress is underway!
Four basement rooms in the Starrett House are currently being renovated into comfortable and affordable homes. This marks a significant milestone in our dedication to our residents.
The main floors of the Starrett House will continue to welcome guests as a Bed & Breakfast. This beloved local fixture not only preserves a piece of our history but also generates crucial income to sustain The Starrett House and support the broader mission of Bayside Housing & Services.
