A historic, more than century old performing arts venue on the South Coast is going to get a major makeover, after deteriorating to the point it could no longer be safely used.
The band shell in Santa Barbara’s Plaza del Mar Park was built in 1919.
It’s been used for concerts, stage performances, recitals, and community celebrations.
But, in 2020 a detailed assessment of the facility showed it had major structural and safety issues. It's stage floor, building frame, and roof had deteriorated to the point where it couldn’t be used. It was fenced in as a public safety precaution.
The city developed a restoration plan for the shell, which was approved by its Historic Landmarks Commission last year.
The exact cost of the project is unknown, but more than $800,000 has been raised for the effort. It includes $400,000 from the federal government, $175,000 from the state, $175,000 from the city and more than $50,000 from local foundations and donors. The goal is to begin work in early 2023.
