• The Santa Barbara Public Market has grown to be one the city’s most popular meeting places. The Public Market and adjoining residences, fondly named ‘Alma Del Pueblo’ sits on the corner of Victoria and Chapala Street, in the heart of ‘El Pueblo Viejo’, next to the revered Arlington Theater. The former building at this site, a Safeway grocery store, was adorned with mosaic murals 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 mixed use development including a 15,000 SF public market/retail/restaurant space and as many compact housing units as possible over underground parking. The Santa Barbara Public Market, with it’s classic Santa Barbara style Spanish Colonial architecture, was placed on the busy street corner and the murals were carefully relocated to a Chapala Street, which had less foot traffic. This freed up Victoria Street, revitalizing 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.

    AWARDS

    2015 CA Assembly Best Non-Residential Award

    2015 State of CA/Senate Best Non-Residential Award

    2015 County of Santa Barbara Best Non-Residential

    2015 AIA SB Chapter Best Non-Residential Award

    2014 US Green Building Council Green Home Award

    2014 Santa Barbara Beautiful President’s Award