••• Runyon Group, which paid $19.25 million for the Las Aves complex in the spring of 2022 and redeveloped it as The Post, has sold the property to Charlotte-based Asana Partners for $56 million. Asana owns 72 “neighborhoods” (or what you and I would call shopping centers) in 24 cities, and there’s no word yet on what kind of changes, if any, it has in mind for The Post, but the economics would seem to require bigger-name tenants.
••• And an entity called Eight Form Santa Barbara bought the Palihouse Santa Barbara hotel at 915 Garden Street for $12.8 million. Will the property be reflagged?
••• Coast Village Road boutique Whiskey x Leather is being sold and will close at the end of this month. (Thanks to B. for the tip.) In her farewell email, owner Ariel Hujar wrote, “I’m thrilled to pass the baton to a fantastic new owner who truly cares about our community and will keep the spirit of our store alive.”
••• A. spotted signage in the window of the former Victor the Florist space at 135 E. Anapamu Street (at Santa Barbara Street). It’s for a something called Routine (“We’re in the business of habit transformation”), and that’s all we know at this time. UPDATE: Sarah M. says it’s a branch of The Routine Pilates in Ventura.
••• I was surprised to see this sign in Montecito, because the rules for permitted construction in the county are actually different. (I deleted the company’s logo because I’m less interested in shaming someone than encouraging people to know their rights.) From the Montecito Association’s FAQ page: “Construction may take place from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday only. No construction shall occur on State Holidays,” of which California has quite a few. If you see or hear construction after hours, you can send time-stamped video (there’s an app) to the county’s Planning and Development department for enforcement. UPDATE: N. points out that these rules are for “noise-generating construction. So if workers are painting, cleaning up, or doing other work that does not cause noise, they can work outside those hours.”
••• Press release: “The City of Santa Barbara will begin the final phase of construction on a water main replacement project on Alameda Padre Serra and surrounding streets starting Monday, March 23. Due to the narrow width of APS and size of the construction equipment needed to complete the work, temporary closures of APS and surrounding streets are required.” Of special note: “APS from the Five Points Roundabout to Gutierrez Street will be fully closed 24 hours a day for the first two weeks of construction to accommodate oversized construction equipment for the installation of a pipe bridge over Sycamore Creek.” Underline mine.
••• New in Summerland: Lindsey Eckert of the Kismet boutique in the Upper Village and Salon Providence at The Post has opened Kismet Kids in the former Mary Suding Antiques space at the west end of Lillie Avenue. It’s a combination of children’s salon and shop: “The premise is that you can get out for under $100 with a cut and some fun shopping,” she says. “My kids helped me buy for the store so we’d stay on trend.” You can book an appointment through the website.
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We loved our experience at Kismet Kids! A great haircut – kids were entertained while waiting their turn. Such a welcome addition to Montecito / Summerland – more kids activities!
The Routine, a Pilates studio currently in Ventura, is opening at the Victor the Florist space. Instagram page: @theroutine.vta
One note, the Montecito Assoc. has those hours/days correct -except- that it is for Noise Generating construction. So if workers are painting, cleaning up, or doing other work that does not cause noise, they can work outside those hours.
Good riddance Runyan Group! We will not miss you. Hoping the new owner keeps the Montecito/SB vibe despite maybe bringing in bigger-name businesses. Start with ditching Shoppe Amber Interiors, aka Sorority Asinine Interiors. We want friendly, not annoying.