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SANTA BARBARA, CA — July 16th, 2025 — Old Mission Santa Barbara and St. Barbara Parish at Old Mission Santa Barbara are collaborating on a major effort to increase accessibility to the Mission church through the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp. The project aims to provide easier access while remaining in harmony with the historic church’s iconic architecture.
The new ramp will allow individuals of all abilities to enter the church with greater dignity and ease. The structure has been carefully designed to complement the historic architecture of the Mission, including stonework sourced from the same quarry as the original façade. The ramp will be located to the right of the Mission church and will provide discreet and seamless access for all. As part of the project, the landing directly in front of the church doors will also be resurfaced to ensure a safe entry experience.
“This place of all places should be the most accessible,” said longtime parishioner Elizabeth “Day Day” Chenoweth. “If you think about it, it’s one of the biggest ‘stars’ in Santa Barbara — religiously, yes, but also for the whole city.”…