New Santa Barbara building opens after more than a decade of hearings

A Santa Barbara project presented for the first time in 2004 finally had its ribbon cutting as part of a large celebration Thursday night.

The three-story “Villas at Olive Mill” plan was challenged several times for its size, scale, view issues, parking, traffic and compatibility.

Developer John Price and partner Tod Berlinger prevailed but not before years of hearings at all levels including the California Coastal Commission.

Price says recently opponents have come back telling him they are very impressed with the final look of the project which sits at the entrance to the city on the eastern boundary.

The location was formerly a 76 gas station. The underground tanks were removed as part of the project.

Price also owns several gas stations in the area including the Chevron down the street and an array of Fuel Depot stations with The Point markets.

The new building now has three leased retail sites, room for one more and five penthouse condos (three are still available.)

The businesses are Folded Hills Winery, Village Properties and Heather James Fine Art.

All were part of the open house, celebration and tours.

While the project was in the development stage the devastating Montecito debris flow took place. Mud, trees, rocks and cars went past the building but no significant damage took place.

The building also sits on a side of the proposed new roundabout for one of the city’s most complex intersections that has freeway ramps meeting city and county streets. Thousands of vehicle trips a day go through.

This is a unique part of town, often called Montecito, but technically it is still in the City of Santa Barbara sitting at the edge of Montecito. That is why all of the hearings went through Santa Barbara commissions and the city council.