‘A pedestrian-first, park-like place’
From the report:
Before 2020, State Street was one of the premier retail venues in California, its unique form, reputation, and performance steadily increasing over time. Since 2020, several important national retail trends have conspired to reduce its expected evolution: the expansion of internet sales, the collapse of the department stores at Paseo Nuevo, and the erosion of its development potential due to uncertainty about its future. Yet, despite being subject to all these negative trends, its appearance remains poor and its current mix of modes chaotic; however, sales and tax receipts have plateaued, but not decreased.
A flex scheme reorders the form of State Street according to its traditional 75-year pattern as a pedestrian-first, park-like place. It recognizes its subdistricts and takes advantage of the ample garage parking that serves them. It acknowledges mode mixes unique to the mobility needs of citizens and visitors alike. It proposes infra-structural and ecological improvements and offers recommendations for the many actions the city needs to take in support of the proposed changes. Continuing the traditional trajectory of this extraordinary place will strengthen its claim as the commercial center of your city. Its physical regeneration also stands a good chance of achieving the full range of social and financial objectives expressed by the citizens of Santa Barbara.
DRAFT STATE STREET MASTER PLAN
APPENDICES, INCLUDING THE MOULE & POLYZOIDES REPORT
SITELINE’S SUMMARY
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