Santa Barbara Modern Mixed Use and AUD
The site was
... a corner lot with a small, aging house and overgrown landscape in a prime downtown neighborhood.
We began by studying
...the neighborhood and its transition from single-family homes to a more urban, multifamily setting. We saw an opportunity for live/work residences that would respond to this changing context while making better use of the site.
Today, the once-dated
... site has been transformed into three modern Mediterranean live/work residences with rooftop decks, private terraces, and mountain views. The design takes full advantage of its downtown location, creating a higher-density development while unlocking the potential of a once-underutilized property.
The Story:
Located near Haley and Milpas Streets, this mixed-use AUD development creates three new rental residences above a ground-floor commercial space in a walkable, bike-friendly Santa Barbara neighborhood.
The project began with an opportunity: how can we add much-needed housing and density while still respecting the scale, character, and architectural fabric of the surrounding neighborhood? Rather than simply maximizing the site, KMA focused on creating a development that feels considered and appropriately scaled to its context.
The design combines site-built construction with prefabricated steel systems to create an efficient, durable, and more sustainable approach to building. Architecturally, the project offers a modern interpretation of Santa Barbara’s design language, evolving ideas first explored in KMA’s Funk Zone Lofts. Thick plaster walls, deeply recessed windows, and refined detailing give the building a contemporary identity while connecting it to Santa Barbara’s architectural heritage.
Ultimately, the project is intended to demonstrate how thoughtful infill and increased density can contribute to the city—adding housing, commercial activity, and long-term value without overwhelming the neighborhood it becomes part of.
"KMA helped us see the potential of the property and delivered a vision that transformed the center into one of Santa Barbara's most active destinations."
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