••• When I walked the Haley Corridor last January, I wondered about the vacant lot at 201 E. Haley, at the northeast corner of Santa Barbara Street. Well, there are now plans for it. From the agenda for the city’s Architectural Board of Review meeting on September 20:
The project consists of constructing a 34,650-square-foot, four-story, 48-unit mixed-use building, comprised of 8 studio units, 32 one-bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units and approximately 6,632 square feet of commercial retail space on the ground level intended for 5-7 businesses. The residential units range in size from 428 square feet to 744 square feet with an average unit size of 587 square feet. Rooftop pool, gym and amenities are proposed as well as grading and landscaping. 63 vehicle parking spaces and 52 bicycle parking spaces are proposed.
I’m thrilled to see more housing coming to that part of town. While the plan by AB Design Studio has come character, I wouldn’t have minded more; the area can handle some quirk, as proved by the new Egyptian Revival building at Laguna and Gutierrez. (And it looks a little like the apartment complexes proposed for N. Milpas Street and Chapala Street.)
••• The Montecito Country Mart appears to be headed for a new look. Much of the courtyard has been painted white (after being primed, seen below), and there are color samples painted on a wall.
••• And coming soon to the Country Mart: Beautyhabit, “the best natural skincare, beauty, hair, fragrances, cosmetics, bath, candles, and baby care.”
••• November 23 at the Lobero: Warren Miller’s 72nd film, Winter Starts Now.
••• When 137 Butterfly Lane was under construction, I wondered how such an aggressively contemporary house would end up feeling on such a traditional street. The palms made all the difference; the house doesn’t fit in—that was clearly never the goal—but it looks great.
••• The Summerland Citizens Association sent out an updated rendering of Summerland Elementary School.
················
Sign up for the Siteline email newsletter and you’ll never miss a post.
Comment: