New apartments planned near the Arlington Theatre

A new apartment building has been planned for a piece of prime property in downtown Santa Barbara.

The Metropolitan Theater owns the parking lot behind the landmark Arlington Theatre on Chapala and Sola Streets. It’s proposing a 33-unit apartment building there.

The project is in the early review stages. It recently went before the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission. A “structure of merit” which is the Arlington Courtyard Arch is on the site.

There would also be underground parking, an exercise room and two commercial units in addition to the housing.

In all, it would be 91,000 square feet.

There’s another new development nearby on the other side of the Arlington Theatre.

Alma Del Pueblo is in the final construction phases on Victoria Street.