Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
The site, in the heart of ‘El Pueblo Viejo’, next to the revered Arlington Theater, was previously a corner parking lot and Safeway built in 1959 after replacing a market that had stood on the corner since 1934. The Safeway was adorned on one side with mosaic murals designed by local artist Joseph Knowles depicting the history of human civilization in Santa Barbara. Although ‘Historic’, these murals devitalized their downtown streetscape.
The client’s goal was to build a LEED certified project including a 15,000 SF public market, retail/restaurant space and as many compact housing units as possible over underground parking. The public market located back to the corner and the murals were carefully relocated to the side facing a one-way/less-pedestrian street. This freed up the other streetscape to enliven the block with new retail shops and eateries.
To preserve views of the Arlington, the entire frontage is one-story with the exception of 2 of the 37 residences, which border the entry paseo leading to a covered courtyard lobby. The residences average 983 SF and are tucked behind retail shops and nestled alongside the Arlington with intersecting paseos and courtyards. The residents benefit from shared guest suites and a ‘clubroom’ that sits atop the market linked to the residences by a bridge, providing entertainment & gathering space adjacent to a green roof & garden plot.
Exceeding Title 24 requirements by 48%, the project received a LEED Platinum rating, making it one of the most environmentally sensitive projects ever built in Santa Barbara.