First Look

March 15, 2023

First Look

Montecito’s New Shopping Center Is Coming Into Focus

The Post will have twice as many restaurants as previously indicated, and the fountain isn't going anywhere. 17

February 25, 2023

First Look

Another Hotel Is in the Works for State Street

The former Forever 21 building could be converted into a 22-room hotel with a rooftop pool and bar. 10

February 2, 2023

First Look

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Opens Today

The first guests at the reimagined Los Olivos property will be checking in soon. The main restaurant is now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the coffee bar has opened. Take a look around.... 8

December 21, 2022

First Look

The Plan for 685 New Apartments at La Cumbre Plaza

The developers are focusing on the greater Macy's area, in the belief that a smaller development comprising buildings of different styles will be more in character with Santa Barbara than something monolithic. 32

December 18, 2022

First Look

What to Expect on the Bellosguardo Tour

The mysterious estate on the bluff above East Beach is finally, slowly, opening to visitors for 90-minute tours. 20

July 17, 2022

First Look

A Stylish New Taproom in the Funk Zone

Validation Ale founders Brian and Briana Deignan have used their backgrounds in tech to create a better experience—from the menu, to ordering, to the bathrooms. "Whether you're a beer nerd like me or you've only had Coors your whole life, you're welcome either way," says Brian. "We want this to be about community." 1

May 22, 2022

First Look

The 250-Room Funk Zone Hotel Is Taking Shape

Designed by Cearnal Collective, the property will have 120 standard rooms and 130 extended-stay ones. Take a look at the floor plan and renderings. 15

April 1, 2022

First Look

99-Room Farm Resort Proposed for the Carpinteria Bluffs

The plan for the 27.53-acre site calls for "roughly 7 acres of organic farm; a hotel with a 59-room lodge, 34 bungalows and six cabins; 16 residential units located in a single building; open space and trails; and a restaurant, event space and farmstand." 6

November 14, 2021

First Look

Something Completely Different for the Funk Zone

"I wanted a creative and colab space where you can also hang out and grab a drink," says STUDIO founder Jeremy Wilson. "It's a bar, production space, and soundroom. It will offer experiments in liquid, light, and sound."

October 8, 2021

First Look

Another Huge Development Is Proposed for the Funk Zone

The plans have dropped for a big, interesting project in the Funk Zone: it contains a hotel (possibly two), several restaurants, a coffee shop, a tasting room, a corner market, an art gallery, and more. Plus: a popular brewery could be one of the tenants. 9