Transition from Retail to Housing at La Cumbre Plaza in Santa Barbara
The era of giant upscale outdoor malls in Santa Barbara is ending as landmark stores like Macy's and Sears at La Cumbre Plaza are being demolished to make way for housing projects. This transition signifies a shift towards prioritizing housing over large retail spaces in the city.
Key Points
- Redevelopment of Macy's and Sears buildings into 689 and 443 apartment units respectively
- Local developers involved in the projects
- Focus on community input and general plan in development process
Pros
- Addresses the housing crisis in Santa Barbara
- Transforms retail spaces into residential units
Cons
- Loss of landmark retail stores like Macy's and Sears