Historic Landmark Commission considers re-imagined Franceschi House property
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Historic Landmark Commission members listened to a presentation about the history of the Francesci House in Santa Barbara.
The house originally belonged to Dr. Francesco Franceschi.
Franceschi introduced plants and vegetables to the area in the early 1900s before returning to Italy for a business venture.
Social reformer and philanthropist Alden Freeman purchased the home in 1926 and added his own personal touches before transforming it into a public space.
After the city was gifted the property in 1931 the Pearl Chase Society and others tried repeatedly to restore the 3 story home.
It's deteriorating condition and hilltop location made it too costly and challenging.
"Our intent our proposal is to take advantage of the footprint of the house, at that level of the park it is flatter, even though there is structural work to be done," said Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Director Jill Zachary , "People go there for the views, and to use that for the platform to be able to honor the legacy of both Dr. Franceschi as well as what Alden Freeman brought."
Althought it was named a Structure of Merit in 1981, a majority of commission members are okay with demolishing the three story structure.
Emiliano Marini spoke during the commission's public comment period and urged the city not to demolish the home.
"I am very sad, also because historic things when they are gone they are gone you cannot remake, " said Marini.
Marini splits his time between Santa Barbara and Italy and said he could be hired to do the work.
The home is located in the heart of the 15 acre Francesci Park at the intersection of Mission Ridge and Franceschi Rd.
Pearl Chase Society Member Rick Closson has said there is a plan to make a viewing platform on the footprint of the house.
The plan would keep historic medallions honor contributing members of the community.
Community meetings began in February and resulted in a proposal made of compromises.
Community members said they want it to be a quite, contemplative, whimsical place to enjoy the view.
The goal now is to receive positive comments for design development that will lead to a collaboration before entering a formal application phase.
Nathanael Chawkin likes to visit the property.
The Temple Dojo Chief Instructor said he enjoys the medallions and is glad to hear they will be saved.
"Franceschi Park is a really special location in Santa Barbara, what strikes me about it as you can see from this statue here is that it is really about the Freemasons and says 'I am a man, no men are foreigners to me of one blood or all nations, so it is the universal truth that we are all human brings,'" said Chawkin.
Many people make a point of visiting the park to enjoy the ocean view as the sun sets.
A modest architectural design is still in planning process and the commission plans to stay in the loop.
