Santa Barbara Historic Districts
Since 2001, architectural photographer John Bare has documented numerous historic residential districts throughout Southern California. Today SoCal Landmarks is presenting selections from the historic districts of Santa Barbara. While some of the homes and buildings may be noteworthy on their own, the goal of John’s documentation, and our presentations, is to provide an overview of the districts and the variety of architectural styles that contribute to their distinction.
Santa Barbara was on the leading edge of the “historic preservation wave” with the creation of an advisory Landmarks Committee in 1960 and the founding of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation in 1963. El Pueblo Viejo (The Old Town) historic district was formally established in 1960. Three other historic districts have been established and five more have been identified, but not designated, since. Residential structures in and around the districts date from the late 19th century into the 1960s. Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival are the predominant architectural styles, but the Queen Anne and Folk Victorian and Craftsman styles are not uncommon.
Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County
Photographer: John Bare