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Board debates how to express 'Santa Barbara' in new De La Vena developments
Summary
Board members split over whether contemporary expressions work on De La Vena, urging more mass-based, Spanish-colonial references in street façades and recommending material and proportion changes across both projects.
Throughout the meeting, multiple board members pressed applicants on how new buildings should reflect the city’s architectural heritage. Some members supported a soft-modern approach and pointed to the efficiency of the proposed site plans; others urged stronger references to local traditions, recommending deeper storefronts, reduced fourth‑floor plate heights, and roof and parapet details that signal Spanish colonial revival traditions.
Vice Chair Whelan encapsulated the concern when she asked applicants to justify the contemporary expression: “What is it about that that says Santa Barbara?” Several board members suggested specific moves such as increasing storefront recess, exploring a laser-cut gate pattern with Moorish hints, and using full barrel mission tile rather than S-tile for roof material. Applicants generally agreed to study these suggestions and return with refined materials, elevations and additional street context images.
