“Santa Barbara Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” Symposium

Faced with new challenges, including state-required housing mandates, many cities across California and the country are looking for ways to revitalize their core and provide housing for growing populations. Santa Barbara is no different but is perhaps better situated to answer these concerns because of its well established and architecturally successful “city DNA.”

In a unique public-private partnership, Harrison Design is working with the Santa Barbara Trust of Historic Preservation (SBTHP), Downtown Santa Barbara and the City of Santa Barbara to present “Santa Barbara: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.” This free symposium is open to the public and will consider the City’s present and future urban design needs (June 6th – 8th).

“The goal of the Symposium is to understand how Santa Barbara became the enviably-beautiful city we have today, and to discuss how these principles can be used to address our current challenges,” says Anthony Grumbine, AIA, Harrison Design. “It is an event for everyone who cares deeply about the future of the city, whether they be historic preservationists, planners, architects, developers, property owners or engaged citizens.”

Participants will learn how Santa Barbara developed its unique character, and how these principles can be employed to satisfy the needs of today. Commencing on Thursday, June 6th (1st Thursday), guests are invited to the welcome reception and architectural drawing exhibition in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara Art Design and Architecture Museum.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the public to the recently restored 1925 Alhecama Theatre at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park for the opening reception,” says Anne Petersen, PhD and Executive Director of SBTHP. “What a special treat to have the beautiful historic drawings of downtown Santa Barbara from UCSB Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Collection on view in this historic building. This is a can’t-miss opportunity!”

Following the Thursday Archive Showcase Kickoff Event (Alhecama Theatre, 215-A E. Canon Perdido, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm), the symposium begins at 9:00 am on Friday, June 7th, also at Alhecama Theatre. After Welcome and Introduction by Anne Petersen and Anthony Grumbine, Dr. Dennis Doordan, Emeritus Professor, Notre Dame University presents a lecture on “Traditional Urbanism.” The day continues with panel discussions and lectures and includes lunch for participants at Casa de la Guerra.

Saturday, June 8th, begins with a Watercolor Meet-Up at the Santa Barbara Courthouse (10:00am) and ends with a Closing Brunch.

All events are free to attend, but registration is a must as space is limited. For more informationabout the program, and to register for the June 6th-8th event, click here.