Housing for our Community

As California addresses an increasing need for more housing, Santa Barbara is faced with complicated new challenges. With these challenges come exciting opportunities to provide creative, sustainable, and energy efficient living accommodations throughout our County. Balancing a need for new housing with a dedication to working within historic design districts is a challenge that DMHA willingly accepts and embraces. As a firm, we are committed to reimagining and revitalizing our County’s downtown to offer livable, vibrant housing which will allow our community to grow and thrive.

DMHA is devoted to creating inspired architectural design that is functional, environmentally responsible and healthy for occupants. We see a unique opportunity in mixed-use developments that optimize pre-existing infrastructure — the most sustainable solution is adding new housing where great community amenities already exist. Revitalizing walkable districts in which residents can easily access public parks, shops, and commercial centers significantly reduces vehicle traffic and carbon emissions while deepening a sense of connection to a specific neighborhood. Below are four new mixed-use housing developments that we are honored to be a involved with:

825 De la Vina, SANTA BARBARA

With views of the ocean and the Riviera, 825 De La Vina is a new development featuring 21 rental apartments, open common areas, and rooftop decks. The massing and design of this project was largely dictated by the existing eclectic streetscape that includes Victorian, Transitional, Spanish, and Craftsman design styles. While strictly urban, the building’s facade maintains a quiet, understated presence. As construction nears completion, we’re excited about this urban infill project that adds much-needed housing while complimenting the neighborhood’s charming character.

Creekside village, buellton

Creekside Village is an innovative mixed-use housing project in the heart of Buellton on Avenue of Flags. This three-story development sits on a 1.6-acre site and includes parking for 108 cars on the ground level, as well as 10,000 square feet of commercial, retail, and restaurant space directly accessible from the street. The second and third floors will house 64 one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Designed in the Art Deco style mandated by the City of Buellton, Creekside Village represents a transformative project that is set to be a catalyst for the revitalization of Buellton’s downtown area. The project received unanimous approval from the City of Buellton Planning Commission.

219 East Haley Street, SANTA BARBARA

Located along the busy Haley Street corridor on the East Side, this mixed-use development brings 24 new rental apartments and two ground-floor commercial units to the downtown area. This project marks the first of many to be developed in this prime location for new community housing. Following the Milpas/Haley Street Design Guidelines mandated for the neighborhood, the building massing is broken down into smaller parts that mimic a clustered village. The architectural design blends traditional massing with modern forms and detailing, striking a delicate balance between old and new. Construction has begun on this project, and we look forward to seeing it become a transformative part of the neighborhood’s future.

501 Garden Street, santa barbara

This mixed-used building features a commercial ground unit and seven rental apartments throughout the second, third, and fourth floors. The urban development fills the entire 6,250 SF city lot and includes classic facade elements often found in traditional apartment buildings throughout small Spanish cities. One distinctive feature is the fourth floor, which departs from the building’s overall style, color, and massing. This “Abrusivo” approach—typically used for secondary additions—gives the building a more compact, three-story appearance along the street. Building Permits are expected to be finalized for groundbreaking in early 2025.

A Hopeful Vision for Santa Barbara County

Excellent design positively contributes to the built environment while providing practicality and enjoyment for the surrounding community. By creating innovative new mixed-use projects, we believe that the housing needs of Santa Barbara County can be increased in healthy measure, while reinvigorating downtown and positively shaping our community for decades to come.