La Arcada Plaza: Then and Now
SBArts
August 25, 2019, 1:51 am
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Edhat reader Lynn shares photos of La Arcada Plaza from 1926 and now.
Update by ALE
Much of the current appearance owes to the work of its owners these last 35 years, Hugh Peterson, and his heirs. Peterson loved art and sculpture, and he spent many years striving for “just the right mix” of tenants in
La Arcada’s offices, retailers in its first-floor spaces, and art + landscaping that would “pull in” people strolling on State Street, or East Figueroa Street, to look and linger.
He loved “interactive art”, and his public sculptures are among the most popular and recognizable in the city, as are his “turtle” fountain, and other water elements.
Peterson was a visionary owner-landlord, who set his rents and leases to be priced for long-term tenant stays, rather than get-rich-quick gouging.
With all the conversation about “empty store fronts” on State, the City and other property owners, would do well to reconsider Hugh Peterson’s formula for long term success.
Written by SBArts
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10 Comments
Very nice to see it hasn’t been “messed with”. Vines seem the only difference.
La Arcada Court, of course, is one of the true gems of downtown Santa Barbara. In its day, El Paseo courtyard was also remarkably beautiful and visitor-friendly. It’s a tragedy that the “Trust” For Historic Preservation sold it down the river. Let’s hope the “Trust” never gets its meathooks on La Arcada.
Thanks for sharing the “Then” photo!
New, edgy young architects trying to change the flavor of our town, take note. The 1920’s Spanish inspired designs created town monuments of lasting beauty and inspired its signature look. Your boxy, industrial ,linear, cheapened ,computer-drawn designs will never be as beloved. They represent the same wrong turn Santa Barbara architecture took in the 1970’s, when it tried to go stucco box car “modern”. Marc my words.
Look up definition of kitsch and see if La Arcada doesn’t pop up. The original design does look nice but it has been so loaded down with glitz and facade that it has the appeal of a Victorian era woman’s gown.
REX, so good to see you back on Edhat. I really missed you.
Never confuse whimsy with kitsch; nor private property autonomy with government mandated aesthetics.
Hi Rex The “Trust” did try to get their meat hooks on La Arcada but thankfully the owner declined. She knows better!
The Hercules Flip is now at the airport
Thank you, Flicka! I love the new, improved Comments section!!