Proposed Santa Barbara police station can be viewed with modern animation

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A modern design feature is being used to show the public what the new proposed Santa Barbara Police station could look like if it is approved in downtown.

Animation that moves a viewer through images of the existing site with the police station in place, is now available.

The police headquarters video is an alternative to the option where "story poles" would be placed at the site. These are wooden pieces at the height and size of the planned project, to give the public a feel for what it will look like, and how it will fit in to the existing block at the corner of Santa Barbara Street and Cota Street.

If story poles were to go in, the Certified Farmers' Market would be displaced for three weeks. That has been opposed by the market staff and conveyed to the city.

At a recent Architectural Board of Review meeting, the project was given favorable reviews, and had some changes from the first time it was presented.

Interested parties can not only see those in the on line video but also in the presentation with comments from staff and designers. At the site, photos of the project have now been added to the street corner setting along with an on line web site link.

Architect Brian Cearnal said story poles are a good idea in some settings such as mountain slop housing projects. but not necessary in the downtown location where the police project is suggested. He believes the current visual option will be able to convey the look of the project to the public in a better way.

The City of Santa Barbara has also released this video of the police station tour.