Adaptive Reuse, Completed, Interiors, Restaurants
The site was
…a vacant narrow and extremely deep retail building with an unused rear yard.
We began by studying
...options for how to reposition the property from an un-leasable retail space to a refreshed property that is financially viable. We looked at options with the owner. With a strategic mindset this included creating multiple tenant spaces within the building and pursuing the right tenants to create a destination experience.
Today, the once-dated
... the empty building now houses Shaker Mill, a dynamic cocktail bar on the front of State Street, a new kitchen, a tasting room for Modern Times Brewery and refreshed back patio with an additional kitchen and gathering space.
The Story: Like many property owners in Santa Barbara, the owner was struggling to find the right tenant for a roughly 6,000-square-foot, long and narrow retail space along what had once been the vibrant retail core of State Street. Familiar with KMA’s vision and design for The Waterline in the Funk Zone—home to Lama Dog, The Nook, and Topa Topa Brewing—the owner approached us to explore how the property could be reimagined, attract the right tenants, and realize its full potential.Rather than simply renovate the existing retail space, we reconsidered how the entire property could be used and accessed to create a more dynamic experience and a stronger return on investment. We envisioned a multi-tenant hospitality destination that extended through the building and into the previously unused rear yard. Interior walls were removed to create views from State Street through to the back of the property, while large openings were cut into the concrete walls to open the space and bring in natural light.With the concept and design in place, our project partner, The Miramar Group, pursued tenants that we felt would complement one another and contribute to the overall experience. Modern Times Brewery, The Good Lion Cocktails, and Barbareño Restaurant were ultimately brought together, and KMA worked with the tenants on the interior and exterior design of their individual bar and restaurant spaces.The completed project brings together two kitchens, two bars, and an outdoor gathering space designed to take advantage of Santa Barbara’s year-round climate.The name Kim’s Service Dept. honors the building’s history as a car dealership and service station. What was once a difficult-to-lease retail building has been given new purpose—bringing energy, activity, and a new destination to this part of State Street.
“KMA helped us see beyond a difficult-to-lease retail space and envision something entirely different. Their ability to rethink the property and bring together the right mix of uses and tenants transformed it into a true destination.”
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