Similar feelings.
We really don't need another high priced grocery store. Not sure it is a good place for Erewhon as I don't know if their upscale clientele would want to mingle with the homeless and regular folks. But, I guess they can just send their maids and hired help.
Really hope Tri-County doesn't get booted out.
I hope that tri-county stays the same, as much as I love erewhon, this place makes me feel like home, slower pace vibes. Just love it.
I’m disappointed to see the interior changes at the Ballard Inn. We just loved it for its European old country manor collected look. Now it looks like blah commercial interior design firm staging.
“…our busiest pedestrian corridor” was actually quite a bit more busy (and enjoyable) when vehicles were allowed to cruise State St. Leave me out of your sweeping, knee jerk bs, please.
Vastly safer than cars. SB has around 500 injuries and fatalities per year from car accidents. That doesn’t even count health impacts from smog. Thank God those death machines aren’t allowed anymore down our busiest pedestrian corridor
This is devastating news. The long time tenants Of Las Aves were told that things would remain much the same with a few updates, but the opposite seems to be true. This Runyan Group think retail is going to work in this complex of WELL ESTABLISHED service based business that have a truly loyal clientele? They think people have never heard of this complex? Half of montecito come here for their hair, dentistry, Pilates, personal training, chiropractor, dermatology, and other cosmetic/medical services. Some of these businesses have been here 30 years or longer. This is a charming complex where the store owners and all their clientele have formed a tight knit community. Many business here share the clientele because It’s a one stop shop for any service you may need. Not only are they new owners kicking the long-time, well established businesses OUT, they plan to TRIPLE THE RENT, so the businesses couldn’t afford a new lease even if they wanted to stay…. Up to $10 per square foot on the lower level. That doesn’t include the additional maintenance costs these businesses pay quarterly for the upkeep of the beautiful courtyard. This Runyon Group is heartless, greedy and the LAST THING they care about is our community. They are out to dismantle the community that has been cultivated over the last 40 years and make it IMPOSSIBLE for small, local businesses to afford their rent prices. Don’t let this article fool you into believing that they care about our community. They certainly do not give two fluffs about our community. They’re out to tear family businesses apart, forcing long standing and beloved businesses to relocate in a very tough market, in the beginning of a recession. They are despicable. Retail is a dead fish floating belly up. Retail will not work. Good luck finding companies that will be willing to pay $10 a square foot, plus common area fees for a store front that will yield zero profit. For those current businesses who want to get a head start and find a new place before their lease is up….. the Runyon Group won’t even entertain working with the current proprietors to end their current lease early. So…. Small family business will be forced to pay double rent IF they can even find a new storefront they can afford. These people are ruthless, careless and greedy. I would even go as far to say that they are UNETHICAL. I am disgusted by this news. These people do not have anyone’s best interest in mind except their own bottom line. GROSS.
BW, Most "Santa Barbarans" I've met, wealthy or otherwise are not "snooty." Just because people frequent local services and might enjoy a different life style ("normal?)"than yours, is no reason to disparage them. I appreciate your opinion but not your unkind judgement about folks you do not know. IMHO -- More merchandise in that area doesn't make great sense. A large percentage of Montecito residents are here part-time. Nice having places nearby to see dermatologist, hair-dresser, etc.
With the Southbound Olive Mill on ramp closed, how are all the cars forced onto Coast Village Road by the closing of the Hot Springs/Cabrillo southbound on ramp go? The Miramar on ramp is not designed for that much traffic. North Jameson to Sheffield is a long detour.
Dear Pete,
You’re getting a piece of coal again this year, ever since you were 4, always being naughty, you must have enough by now for a free train ride to the border. The only one pulling a scam is yourself telling yourself it’s a scam. Pearl social brings drinks to all the happy boys and girls for the holidays, stop spreading anti Christmas cheer, it’s not even the holidays yet.
The electric bikes are a real hazard to all.
It is an unfortunate state of affairs the developers of LA have “discovered” Santa Barbara. This is sad, as the soul of SB is at stake. True, the retail situation in SB is almost pathetic. Sadly most of the great shopping of the past has evaporated, I Magnin, Saks, Blue Bee, among other wonderful non chain boutiques with unique and quality merchandise.
The issue with LA developers is they seem to think they know what our little city needs, but they don’t see it from a local’s point of view. They see it as what they think we need. I saw this is Malibu. The local’s don’t need The County Mart, they/ we ( I lived there ) needed a book store, coffee place, gym, workout studio, garden/hardware store, and other practical shops, not high end boutiques.
Where will the various offices currently located in this property relocate? I always enjoyed going there to a hair salon or for a doctor visit.
ET, you forgot to mention the transient/vagrant nests populating the margin of this idyllic property. The constant criminal issues with what we call "homeless"--they are actually non paying urban campers-- prompted the decision to sell this property. And, the odor from the shallow bird refuge is not a small, treatable condition. Diurnal eutrophication happens in such conditions where warm, shallow water, filled with organic matter (bird guano) "turns over" producing algae blooms, whose natural product is hydrogen sulfide gas...what we call rotten egg smell. Good luck "solving that"....outdoor dining doesn't work down there. Ask anyone who frequented Cafe del Sol, one of SB's treasured eateries and bars that was down there for years. Their small patio was largely vacant.
Pearl social pop-up is a scam. Overpriced drink horrible service
#5) Mesa Verde!
Parking lot on E. Montecito Street by the Franklin Neighborhood Center, across the street from Pennywise Market.
State Street looks like a homeless slum. Please go back to the beautiful 'Spanish' style of our community.
I fully agree with BW. I was shocked to learn of the plans for this property. When Las Aves was first built it was intended for restaurants and retail. In 1990 I moved my dental practice into what was the last retail business to remain there. It was called "Needleworks of Montecito". Retail and restaurants simply did not survive there.
In my opinion, the properties' evolution into a health and wellness center is quite perfect. The longevity of the locally owned businesses and practices that thrive there attests to that. Adams chiropractic was there before I was - as was Dr. James Kwako's medical practice and Linda's gym and Pilates studio. There have also been other chiropractors and medical doctors - acupuncture, massage, meditation, and beauty services for hair and skin. All are locally owned businesses and all have done well.
To replace this gem of a "wellness center" with corporate retail etc. is just a shame.
I feel Santa Barbara is becoming more like LA and losing its soul. This is a prime example.
I think the video is cool! Definitely original.
As a current business owner with an established business in The Las Aves plaza, I’d like to say in regards to this article a couple things. One, yes, there are people who haven’t been here or heard of it. At one time the whole place was financial services. New clients to the area are always so surprised we are there and think what a sweet place it is to come and receive health, wellness and beauty services. Two, the new owners and the previous owners have told us that it was intended to be kept as is. It is why she sold to them. Clearly that is not the case as the new owners haven’t even told us (and we’ve asked) this news to convert into retail and restaurants. And even with this article out they have not responded. I realize the growing demand for more high end shopping and food is prevalent and this space will probably be successful for them but it leaves almost 20 already thriving businesses looking for new “homes” in a town with high rent and limited options. We are not a struggling complex that needed to be saved. We are existing and grateful for this place some have called home for many many years. We are your neighbors and community members who love what we do and provide beneficial services of ALL kinds and we are all a perfect compliment to each other. A cafe here would be a great compliment to us as well. We don’t want to leave our sweet space. Could it be that we could work together? Maybe as some leave (retire or move) then a retail business could move in?
An excellent and insightful review. Well done, Erik.
Looks like Granite Peak Integral = Granite Peak Partners (same address). Give them a ring Erik! Curious to know of any plans for the spot where the Chinese restaurant was
Well said BW. I am in complete agreement...this is awful news and sadly Santa Barbara has been taken over by developers.
Btw cked out the
Rare Society menu outside in t he window and added up the cost of a steak dinner meal for one person
( cocktail, starter, main , desert , tip : $145! Ridiculous!
On website & advertising all they need to say is” Cash Prefered “ up fee of 3% for credit cards.
Communication is all that’s needed.
Nobody is a mind reader.
