Santa Barbara Clock Tower Preparing to Close for Access Improvements

People will soon have an easier way to get to the iconic view from the top of the Santa Barbara Courthouse Clock Tower. The Board of Supervisors approved a renovation project to add an elevator to the top deck.

Instead of making the last stop on the fifth floor, the elevator will soon ride all the way to the top of the tower. The renovation will allow people with mobility challenges to access the view more easily.

The construction will start in January and will shut down access to the top the month after.

“From February till June is when there will be no access to the tower, because what is happening is that they will be working on the stairs as well. The stairs will be closed and the elevator will be closed and the view will not be available for about six months,” said County Architect Robert Ooley.

The million-dollar project is being paid for by a combination of federal stimulus dollars and bond money for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance work.