The quartet of chairs remind of that 70’s show.
Freitas Buliding, corner of Santa Barbara and Carrillo Street.
Lots of bad houses asking too much money.
Same. We lived in Silverlake and my teacher parents liked the early bird special dinners. That cheese garlic bread was sublime.
This house was actually owned by the same person since 1994...
I grew up going to the Smoke House and am anxious to hear more about that rumor!
Back in the day, the cheese bread was epic- I assume that’s still the case!
I just have to complement you on all the photos, all your descriptions, and it sounds like you like to travel as I do. Yes, being trapped into one of those rug places was not what I wanted either. Trying to get out was even harder. It was years ago that we were there and it was wonderful and you just brought it all back to me. Thank you so much.
The Planning Dept is a ghost town
Those houses on Gibraltar are bought and sold every few years in and out of foreclosure and bankruptcy. I always wonder who the next sucker is who purchases them. Between fires, the long narrow, winding road and the constant flow of bicyclists and clueless tourists who drive up and down Gibraltar, that view likely becomes old very fast. But what a view!
There is a newer house that has disrupted the mountain. Its facade is visible from halfway to Santa Cruz Island. They cut into the corner of the mountain and built a 5 story tall rock /retaining wall. All while closing off what was the best view stop on the road. One that was in use for over 100 years. There is not another more visually disruptive build in all of SB. Makes me wonder if there are any actual regulators regulating our county any longer...
(My reply is to you Tish, regarding your vision for tasteful development).
"Tower of Squash!" hehe
Thanks for the overview
It looks boring and uninspired - positively blockish and almost Soviet structure. I wish it had more visual interest. I know we need more housing and cost is an issue but this is not very friendly to plants /open spaces and architectural interest. There is an opportunity to do something much better with a little more creativity and work I would say .
I love your concept of tasteful development for the La Cumbre location! ... beautiful architecture, varied heights and setbacks, outdoor green space with water features. And nice courtyards, some housing above retail, etc. Pedestrian friendly, mixed use would be great. I'd just like to see this whole vision on a smaller scale than what's being presented right now with 6 stories. A lower profile would be more sustainable and blend more harmoniously with the natural environment. Less dense = greater balance and well-being.
Tish - agreed!!!
I’d love to know how they are allowed to build so close to both the freeway and the train tracks!? Very strange to me, as no other buildings are that close to either.
This is the area for urban density but blank square boxes with dark cut-out entrances depress and discourage pedestrian activity.
Residences above shops. Varied set-backs. Generous porchere openings, colorful tile, community courtyards with water features and landscaping. Thrill the eye and heart.
These ugly barracks deaden the soul.
Creating a little joy and beauty won’t break the bank… and more people will want to spend time in the space.
Yes, the Clark beach house and cabanas are part of the Bellosguardo property. They were used at times by Clark family, friends, and staff.
SB is NOT London or Paris. High rise buildings are ruining the beauty of this town . We already have bad traffic, and this kind of high density will make it so much worse! Get real- very few would stop driving on a regular basis. I am all for some mixed use housing and nice town squares, but not these massive developments. So sad!
It's nice to see a party finally planning to utilize a rooftop deck. I don't understand why this town doesn't have any rooftop dining like Santa Fe or La Jolla. Santa Barbara is the perfect place for them with our mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.
If entering the property from the driveway closest to the beach, there is a cluster of small buildings at beach level, below the estate driveway. Are these structures associated with the Clark estate? If so, what is/was its purpose?
Journalists are so often arrested and jailed in Turkey.
You summarised Istanbul so well! Thank you ❤️
Usually-empty parking lots are a perfect location for new housing. (I wouldn't judge Macy's business on the day before Christmas). I agree the architecture in this development is uninspired. They should just stick with the traditional look with maybe some twists. The "modern" buildings are just flat and drab. Would that the view from State would be as nice as the view from Hope. For inspiration, send the architect on a trip to Spain and Portugal. Lots of great ideas there.
I agree with one of the other commentors that at some point we have to stop building to accommodate cars and start building to accommodate people. Density is not the enemy. I have lived in two very dense cities (London and Paris) and they were the most exciting and people-friendly places I have experienced. In this climate, maybe walk? Bike? For disabled (like me) scooters? And how about we all slow down so pedestrians don't feel assaulted as we walk along State? You won't die if it takes you an extra five to ten minutes to get to Gelson's.
This opens up a whole host of opportunities. How about housing in the CVS lot on State/Laureles? One top of Gelson's or the adjacent strip mall? Imagine living with Gelson's downstairs! Never run out of milk again! There are so many one-story, usually ugly, strip malls in this area. How about three or four stories with parking underneath? If there is anyplace in SB should support more density, it's Upper State.
Thanks Erik for this cogent rendering of a complicated and interesting development.
Maybe Macys can move back into their still vacant spot in Paseo Nuevo.
