Historic Landmarks Commission continues review of 1533 State Street; asks for public access to video simulation

The Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission on Feb. 26 continued review of a proposed mixed‑use project at 1533 State Street (also referenced as 1529 State Street), asking the applicant to post its 3‑D simulation publicly and to provide an on‑site project sign with a QR code directing neighbors to the video.

Commissioners said the team’s revisions — including stepping down massing on the street side, adding arcades at the corner and reducing repetitive large balcony openings — were a clear improvement but left open procedural matters including an open‑yard modification that will be heard by the Staff Hearing Officer. The commission voted to continue the matter to the Staff Hearing Officer for the open‑yard modification and for any remaining administrative review (roll call: Ennsberg — yes; Lundbeck — abstain; McClure — yes; Butler — yes; Dordon — yes; Vice Chair Ullie — yes). The motion passed.

Why it matters: The project proposes multifamily residential above ground‑floor commercial on State Street, a corridor where recent zoning…