Historic Landmarks Commission designates 615 East Valerio Street a structure of merit

The Historic Landmarks Commission on Feb. 12 unanimously approved a resolution designating the Craftsman-style house at 615 East Valerio Street a historic structure of merit. The commission adopted Resolution 2025-3 by roll call vote; seven commissioners voted in favor and one abstained.

The designation recognizes the house, constructed in 1925–26, for its architectural character, sandstone masonry features and intact craftsmanship that reflect the development of the Riviera neighborhood in the early 20th century. Nicole Hernandez, the city’s architectural historian and design review supervisor, presented the nomination and said the house retains high integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship.

Owner William Radford told the commission he and his wife have owned the house for about 21 years and are renovating and maintaining it. “We’ve really enjoyed living in this house,” Radford said, praising the home’s light, cross-ventilation and original details. He and the owner who prepared the nomination compiled archival ownership information going back to the 1920s, Hernandez said.

Hernandez said the property qualifies under Criterion 3 as a representative example of Craftsman residential design in Santa Barbara and noted character-defining features including a low-sloped side-gabled roof, wide overhanging eaves with large brackets, grouped divided-light casement windows, clapboard siding and substantial sandstone walls and garage. She also noted the presence of solar panels and said their installation does not permanently diminish the property’s integrity because, under Secretary of the Interior standards, the panels are removable.

During discussion commissioners praised the house’s distinctive eyebrow arch over the front entry and the combination of historic fabric with contemporary improvements. Commissioner Drury stated a conflict of interest and abstained from the final vote; the record shows the other commissioners voting yes.

After the vote, Chair Grumbine presented the owners with the signed designation resolution. The commission’s action adds the property to the city’s historic resources inventory and places it under the commission’s review for future projects that involve significant exterior changes.

Resolution 2025-3 will be entered into the commission minutes and the supporting documentation will be retained in the city’s records and forwarded to repositories as required by local practice.