City of Santa Barbara
Fire Administration Building
Santa Barbara, CA
The City of Santa Barbara Fire Administration Building, originally constructed in 1928 as a parking structure for a nearby hotel, had previously served as a muffler shop for many years. The renovation consisted of repurposing the facility, which now houses administrative offices and warehouse spaces for the Fire Department.
The building, owned by the City of Santa Barbara, is located in both the El Pueblo Viejo district and the Chapala Street Corridor which triggered review with the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) and compliance with the Chapala Street Guidelines.
To accommodate requirements set forth by HLC, exterior improvements were complimentary to the historic nature of the building while taking into account practical issues such as maintenance and durability to satisfy requirements of the Fire Department. The interior volume and character of the facility was enhanced by exposing and refurbishing the existing steel roof trusses and wood decking. The exterior walls offered minimal access to natural light, so skylights were added in the administrative area, and the interior offices were fronted with translucent glass to maximize access to natural light while maintaining privacy.
