October 16, 2025
Tag: 505 E. Los Olivos Street
Paseo Nuevo Redevelopment Hits a Roadblock
Other recent news: Update on the apartment complex behind the Mission; SpaceX launches likely to increase; cannabis taxes continue to disappoint; converting downtown commercial buildings to residential got easier; new Santa Barbara Police Department headquarters delayed; rent stabilization ordinance faulted for lack of transparency; Lower Tunnel Trail reopened. 9
September 18, 2025
Indoor Pickleball Chain Has Plans to Open in Goleta
Other recent news: Update on the bill to stymie the development behind the Mission; Dos Pueblos Ranch has a buyer; Jensen Guitar & Music to close; new hotel in an unwieldy location; downtown Ventura zone will remain off-limits to cars; California considering strict defensible space rules. 10
September 11, 2025
State Legislative Move Could Block the Development Behind the Mission
Other recent news: Downtown parking lots may shift to "pay-on-foot" model; possible redesign of the Earl Warren Showgrounds; 956-unit Noleta complex to start construction; new pedestrian signal on Las Positas Road; Santa Barbara offering rebates for lawn replacement. 10
July 10, 2025
July 3, 2025
Conceptual Representations of Two Dreadful Builder’s Remedy Projects
Other recent news: The owners of the monstrosity behind the Mission haven't paid property taxes in two years; Goleta settles with developers of 56-home project next to Glen Annie Golf Course; city adopts sidewalk signage regulations; Highway 101 widening funded; Goleta's Independence Day drone show; new car wash; Lake Los Carneros footbridge still lacks funding for repair; another Trump administration threat to Los Padres National Forest; the tree of the month. 16
June 26, 2025
Paseo Nuevo Housing Ambitions Cut in Half
Other recent news: Mayor Randy Rowse is running for re-election; remembering architect Henry Lenny; architects and planners protest two misguided Santa Barbara developments; the Trump administration wants to allow new oil and gas extraction in the California Coastal National Monument and Carrizo Plain National Monument; a visit to the post-facelift Ritz-Carlton Bacara. 15
May 30, 2025
November 14, 2024
Caltrans to Install Underdrains at the Castillo Street Underpass
Other recent news: Hedgerow residents push back on plans to add dirt sidewalks; another look at the monstrosity proposed for behind the Mission; Mountain Fire update; no more fence around the huge Moreton Bay fig tree; X Games won't return to Ventura next year. 3
August 22, 2024
Opening Date for the Santa Barbara Public Library Plaza
Other recent news: The eight-story building proposed near the Mission; a bit of intel on the buyers of the former St. Anthony's Seminary complex; President Biden and his family are vacationing in the Santa Ynez Valley; feedback on the plaza to replace Franceschi House; Moody Sisters cottages istreated; the new Tilly Timms souvenir store; California Highway Patrol issued a ton of speeding tickets; driver crashes car and flees on skateboard. 5
May 6, 2024
A Santa Barbara Landmark Is Headed to Auction
The former St. Anthony’s Seminary complex at 2300 Garden Street will be auctioned off next month. This marks the second major change for the area around the Mission, what with a seven-story apartment complex proposed for the neighboring Mount Calvary Monastery property. 25
Burning Questions
- How Long Will This Big Pipe Be at East Beach?
- Is Cabrillo Boulevard Going to Be Widened Under Highway 101?
- Was There a Fisherman Inn in Downtown Santa Barbara?
- What Are Those Old Buildings at the Corner of Castillo and Montecito Streets?
- When Will the Coast Village Road Medians Be Completed?
- What’s This Scaffold Structure on Las Positas Road?
- Why Does Street Striping Take So Long to Happen?
Recent Comments
Too much glass, a giant see through block without any architectural definition needs a rethink. What tenant would want everything out in the open for… — Karen
the "Douglas Family Preserve" is the Wilcox. "Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden" is Alice Keck Park Park "Arroyo Burro beach" is Hendry's. I'm sure the… — jl
That design is ugly and will become dated and out of place ’landmark’ . Surely they can do better. — David
WOW very impressive and much needed here! It’s wonderful the developers decided to spend the extra $$ to go that route. — Cheryl
Something I did not mention in the post is that the design is net-zero and LEED Gold. — Erik Torkells
I don't know where these architects come up with such atrocious designs. A barn greenhouse, in the era of climate change? Totally out of scale… — Erik
I love it! The building reminds me of The Shed in Healdsburg that unfortunately closed after the wildfires about 8 years ago. They had a… — Dave
I think the design needs to be rethought. It really doesn't fit in with what is on CVR. You have Jeff Shelton's whimsical architecture, Montecito… — Carrie
"Attractive new mixed use building" ? Ack. Usually your taste is spot on. This building is a cheap looking sloppy piece of Yuck. An insult… — JRMarks
While I'm glad this corner is finally getting its due and I like the design in theory, it will stick out like a sore thumb… — Jilt