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.
Thank you so much! I’ve been so puzzled by that project every time I drive by.
“keep things affordable”? All but 39 will be market rate. And because this is a brand-new build, it will be some of the highest rents in the area. Remember when The Marc went it? I’d wager that was the start of $3k/mo for 1 beds here in town.
ugly, unimaginative, un-inspired. merry christmas!
I absolutely agree with Tamale Snob! The tamales at Comedor are like no other. The Comedor tamale is light on masa with a delicious flavorful filling. Definitely need to give it a try!
Behind the old Saks off 5th / now Amazon bldg?
If there was ever a graffiti palette waiting to happen ….
Stephen, you have it backwards. She did not leave Bellosguardo to the city, but to a private foundation. The city has incurred no expense. The foundation has applied to the city for permission to open for public tours.
Imagine paying 1.2 million for 1.2 months a year in a shared house? Where other random [people sleep and do the dirty (and worse) in the beds... Nothing about the economics of these houses makes sense. There is no upside, especially when they were all sold in the biggest bubble in decades. Besides the poor economics and upside, you are at the mercy of a corporate entity that may or may not be in existence in 5 years time... Who the heck buys these?
Very glad to read that the property will not become housing for the homeless or a high priced Medicare scam addiction center. Bring on the empathy and the learning!
I saw a high rise plan in oakland, 633 units...called Atlas and in the underground parking they are creating a car fleet of what one would call time share cars. They will be electric commuter vehicles and tenants will buy into them. The cars will be on the move all day long, rather than just sit at your work place for 8 hours. You might take out an electric commuter one day and a utilitarian truck another, or a van to travel to the desert. You will be able to car share to town from your parking garage, It just makes sense to start thinking this way instead of bemoaning traffic. Soon cars will be able to come and pick you up on the way to get someone else and with no driver. These buildings are the structures that will rent to inhabitants who will live with the innovation of tomorrow. Bikes also are so improved that we can commute with them. Oh my goodness if you have ever been to asia and seen all the little motor bikes four in a row in each direction. This is my biggest wish though. since we may have to accept on some level this increase in population density that we would at the same time go even higher than 70 feet for each building...making them narrower with greater space between... for birds to fly and views to be had of our mountains Tall glass buildings at la cumbre plaza. People looking out of these apartments rendered here will be looking at walls all day while those in high rises can look upon the ocean and hills and those on state street can enjoy the lights at night. Atlas sits on just 1 3/8 of an acre. 633 vs 684 on 8.4 acres block style that blocks views. My vision is 3 tall trees...the tallest in the world. I believe Matt Taylors son actually discovered the very tallest one. Let 3 tall buildings house 1899 residents on just 4 acres. When you look out the window in a tall building you yourself feel like a bird. Wouldn't if be fun to look out from a 320 foot building and see what a bird sees from the top of hyperion.
Santa Barbara has a critical need for Visiting Artist Housing, all kinds of artists, actors, designers, directors, stage crafts, musicians. Why not the place?
If it purposes is in support of the Arts, Housing for Artists would meet an urgent need. Theaters and Arts Organizations and comply with the mission
We need at least one non-boutique store in town. Macy's isn't great, but it has been the only place in town to get certain items.
The apartments will be rentals, although the Taylors said there's a possibility that the senior housing may not. As for unit size, I added a slide from the presentation with some answers at the end of the post.
I think it's simple math. They invest $250 million of borrowed money to make $250 million or more in net return. Macy's rent will never turn that kind profit. The real questions here are how big is each unit? How much will they cost including HOA fees, or are they rentals? Who can buy them? And the biggie, where does your dog take a dump. Besides the obvious water, traffic, and infrastructure questions All real questions are being bushed along with no hard answers.
The contact at Public Works had this to say: "The project will be rebid, construction is anticipated in late spring/summer."
Go Team Taylor! Such a much needed and smart development plan. Fingers crossed for a swift approval process.
Huguette Clark’s will states that the Bellosguardo Foundation’s primary purpose is “fostering and promoting the arts, for the benefit of the public.” Now, after eight years of doing nothing, they’re offering those “lucky enough to snag a spot” a limited tour of the grounds for $100 a pop?
Her will also directs the foundation to make grants that support arts organizations. I’ve checked the last seven years of public filings, and the total amount of grants made is ZERO.
The late Ms. Clark would surely be unhappy with the leadership of her foundation. Until the current president and his cronies on the board are replaced, I won’t be supporting it.
I guess my source is worth keeping under my hat….Enjoy !
“…. consisting of a 1,582-net-square-foot second story addition and a 3,579-net-square-foot roof dec…”.
Are they going to add a well stocked bar, a la Mount Caramel? Because everyone really needs a luxurious roof deck to fully appreciate JC. All that and no taxes paid on their income; must be nice. We’re in the wrong business!
This surprises me. No shade meant to Macy’s, but I assumed they were on their way out of business (brick & mortar business, at least) like so many others have been or are going. If that were the case, I agree with many here, even though it makes me sad, that converting it to housing is an excellent idea.
Yeah, butter sounds like a lot. I’d still eat it, though, lol. Thanks!
Any word on start date if State Street underpass construction? First it was late summer then fall. I wrote Jeff on instagram and he had no clue and said it’s a public works project so only they know. Any chance we can get a update on the start time frame ?
Love the Jeff Shelton piece about the house on the Riviera. We have a small Shelton designed house that we were lucky enough to purchase 12 years ago and I just redid the kitchen floor using Jeff designed tile. Such a Santa Barbara treasure.
