A group of local planners, architects, and preservationists have issued a public statement that opposes the development of two expansive Santa Barbara projects proposed for the Riviera. The proposed projects are said to be built on 505 East Los Olivos Street and 1609-1615 Grand Ave below Alameda Padre Serra. However, its potential impact is of growing concern amongst the architectural community of Santa Barbara.
Highlights
- Architects and planners of Santa Barbara have issued a statement against the development of two proposed housing projects in the Riviera.
- The projects have been proposed on 505 East Los Olivos Street and 1609-1615 Grand Ave.
- The critics have stated concerns over its environmental and cultural impact.
Details of the Statement: Opposing the Impact of the Project
The two proposed projects on 505 East Los Olivos Street and 1609-1615 Grand Ave have sparked debate among members of the community as well as design professionals. While the development would address the housing crisis by adding residential units to the area, the statement argues that the plans do not adhere to the legacy and landscape of the Riviera.
In the statement, the group of professionals also stressed upon the cultural and historical significance of Santa Barbara Riviera, which is home to landmarks such as Old Mission and Mission Canyon. Additionally, it states that these projects could contribute to wildfire risk, increase traffic, and strain the already limited emergency access routes.
The professionals have noted that the steep and narrow streets in the Riviera do not support the proposed high-density development. Expansion could endanger public safety. The group also calls on legislators, local leaders, and planning commissioners to resist this development. They are advocating for more context-sensitive and thoughtful development.
505 E. Los Olivos Project
The project at 505 E. Los Olivos Street, located adjacent to Old Mission Santa Barbara, is proposing an eight-story building containing 270 apartments. Of those apartments, 54 would be considered low-income housing…