First Look

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. 17

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

May 5, 2021

First Look

Back-to-Back Roundabouts Proposed for Highway 101’s Cabrillo Interchange

The preliminary design for the stretch of Highway 101 between Olive Mill and Salinas Street replaces the left exit at Cabrillo with a right one, and it adds a new roundabout—which could end up making three in a row along Cabrillo Boulevard. 2

First Look

Preliminary Designs for the Montecito Section of Highway 101

The Montecito Association got a sneak peek of the next segment of the 101 widening, which includes the Olive Mill and San Ysidro interchanges. See what you think.... 4

April 11, 2021

First Look

A 14-Room Hotel Is in the Works at Paseo Nuevo

According to the plans submitted to the Historic Landmarks Commission, the property will have a basement lounge, a ground-floor restaurant and bar, and a roof deck atop the new third floor. 1

March 15, 2021

First Look

Exciting Changes Proposed for a Santa Barbara Landmark

A big chunk of the Andalucia Building on State Street is getting turned into a food-and-beverage complex of some kind. 4

March 3, 2021

First Look

A New Place to See and Be Seen in Santa Barbara

The Palihouse Santa Barbara hotel has opened, and it looks great. The bar and an all-day courtyard café are sure to be a hit with the stylish set. 2