Historic Landmarks Commission designates 327 West Figueroa as structure of merit

The Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission voted unanimously Friday to adopt Resolution 2025-11, designating the duplex at 327 West Figueroa Street a historic structure of merit.

The designation covers a transitional folk-Victorian cottage built in 1903 that the staff report said contributes to a row of three intact early-20th-century cottages on the 300 block of West Figueroa. Nicole Hernandez, historic resources staff, told the commission the building retains original features including leaded-glass transoms, painted-panel front doors and wood siding and that the three adjacent cottages together form a unified streetscape dating to Sanborn mapping of 1907.

The property owner, Jessica Brown, told commissioners she bought the duplex three weeks earlier and described early stabilization and repair work already completed, including freeing painted-shut windows, removing paint from hardware and restoring original wood floors. Brown said future work will address termite damage, repair siding and trim, replace the vinyl front fence and pursue a Mills Act contract if the commission approved the designation.

Commissioners asked whether the front porch opening had been altered; Hernandez said preliminary evidence suggested the porch may originally have had a round arch and that the owner would consider restoring it if physical investigation confirmed it. Commissioners also discussed interior unit sizes and access; Brown said the duplex will remain two units, one one-bedroom and one three-bedroom.

The resolution was moved by Commissioner Jordan, seconded by Commissioner Butler and passed on a roll-call vote of seven in favor (Commissioners Dordon, Drury, Enzberg, Lundbeck, McClure, Butler and Chair Grumbine).

The commission secretary said Brown would receive the resolution and certificate following the meeting. Brown indicated she would return to show progress as restoration proceeds.

Why it matters: The structure adds to an intact early-20th-century streetscape in West Downtown, and the designation makes the property eligible for historic preservation incentives and review protections.

Lede excerpt provenance: “So structure of merit designation for 327 West Figueroa Street. This is, request to adopt resolution 2025Dash11 designating the transitional folk Victorian cottage style residence constructed in 19 o 3, a historic structure of merit.” (Transcript segment beginning 2118.61)

Ending: The commission provided unanimous support for the designation and directed staff to finalize paperwork; the owner said she would pursue restoration and Mills Act benefits.