Pimp My Plaza
As many locals have noticed, La Cumbre Plaza has gone Hollywood…
“Many changes will take place over the next year or so. We are making a concerted effort to elevate the appearance of the center through physical improvements including fountain upgrades and enhanced landscaping,” Alice Love, SCMD Senior Marketing Manager, told the Blog. “We are currently removing low overhangs and columns to create new building façades in a phased approach that is best for our retailers and shoppers. We are adding quality family restrooms and a Concierge that will be situated on the Hope Avenue side of the center.”
The casual apparel stores and bath & body shops have been replaced by the likes of Tiffany & Co., Marmalade Cafe, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Coming this fall… Luis Vutton, Optica, and BCBG MAXAZRIA. And not all locals are pleased.
Many residents feel that the once family-friendly Plaza has been replaced by a ritzy, unaffordable, Orange County-style mall. Ms. Love disagreed, saying, “Macerich (parent company of La Cumbre Plaza) is committed to providing a balanced, compelling mix of retail offerings and we will continue to focus on unique retailers who do not currently have a presence in Santa Barbara.”
June 25th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I miss Red Robin
June 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
The draw of that place for me is the convenience. Is the art show gone? I’m glad — it’s the same old “juried” group everywhere. Better more exciting crafters would have been a draw — I mean, really — who wears fused glass jewelry?
June 25th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I think the only way the mall can pay for it’s facelift is to move in these types of tenants. Too bad, as it does price out many people. The locally owned Plaza Deli is still there though, thankfully. Good sando’s…
June 25th, 2008 at 9:11 am
big mistake. if i want to shop i go to ventura ! what this town really needs is a target ! let’s get real & not try to be rodeo drive !
June 25th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I like the valet for Ruth Chris IN the parking lot.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:21 am
“And not all locals are pleased.” That’s the funniest thing I read here in months! Keep up the great work on uncovering the collapse of SB.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I especially like the huge, round patch of fake grass right in front of Macy’s. It provides just the special ambience that characterizes the rest of the oh, so-appropriately named “facelift.” Tacky, pretentious and totally unreal–the new SB; the whole mall is starting to look just like a mini Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I’m starting to wonder if our Dear Blog hates change in general as it seems to take issue with any sort of new construction. Hate new residential buildings? Check. Hate remodeling outdated malls? Check. Hate redoing onramps and freeways? Check. Hate installation of roundabouts? Check. Hate changes in the weather (even if heat doesn’t really count as a change)? Check. Hate changes to utility rates? Check (okay, maybe I’m not a fan of that either). All this disdain for change from one a purveyer of one of the best websites in the new media…….I just don’t get it………
In fact, the only change I have seen the Blog support is the City College Bond. However, even the enthusiasm for that was tempered with a post about the evils of skateboarders on the City College campus.
As for La Cumbre Plaza, I like it a lot better than the junk that used to be there. Given the fact that there are a lot more people shopping there now, it appears most people would agree. Ruth’s Chris has the best steaks in town, by far….but they are simply too expensive to eat there regularly. I too miss Red Robin……Marmalade was a poor substitute choice.
FYI, the fake grass is there because of the venues they put there throughout the year (e.g., Santa Claus during Christmas season). But it does look pretty cheap by itself.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Aren’t steaks terribly unsustainable?
June 25th, 2008 at 11:05 am
The new La Cumbre Plaza isn’t bothering the Blog… just presenting both sides. Now, if they can only do something about that onerous sandwich guy in the corner.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:09 am
It’s a start, but we need to get rid of most of the dives on lower state street.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Did the La Cumbre Plaza management do any demographic shopper studies before deciding to go upscale? I’d be interested in their findings.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
As long as Sears is still there for appliances and tools I dont really care. At the same time if Im looking for upscale its not even a consideration you go to LA or San Francisco for more choices and selection
The business model besides Ruth Chris’s is a little dubious though. The other “high end” retailers may sell some stuff but probably not to the level they need to be profitable here since at that location it will be local shoppers not tourists there and to be profitable Hope Ranch and Montecito would need to be larger communities and without better choices directly south of here. My guess is in a few years they have moved on and we are back to the midlevel merchants with a nicer facade.
June 25th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Yes, La Cumbe Management did a survey about 1.5-2 years ago. I know because I happen to be one of the people they surveyed (somebody stopped me while I was there with my daughter and I got a $10 Starbuck’s gift certificate for participating). Both of the current restaurants were on the list of possible choices along with Cheesecake Factory (which would have been a great choice) and a few others. In fact, the person doing the survey mentioned that a 3rd restaurant would potentially be going in where the old Marie Calender’s used to be…….not sure what happened with that space.
I suspect Mypup is right and in a few years some of these specialty high end stores will clear out because while the demographics may be there for this type of establishment in town, I hardly see them driving to La Cumbre to make those types of purchases……….
June 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
The demographics are a projection of the future and we are that future.. We’re moving in and your moving out! We love all that parking and private grounds to keep the paparazzi at a very long distance. That is until we want it. As for that dreadful ordinary Sears store we’ll be lobbying to turn it into our exclusive club.
June 25th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
How about a shopper shuttle bus servicing La Cumbre Plaza and Five Points?
That would bring more people over to La Cumbre Plaza and ease the parking situation at Five Points. (How much time do we as drivers spend circling the lots in Five Points trying to find ANY place to park?)
June 25th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Tiffany & Co., Ruth’s Chris Steak House…Tiffany’s has some goods that aren’t way up there in cost…Ruth’s - wonder how long it will stay.
As for Luis Vutton, Optica, and BCBG MAXAZRIA - just what I’ve been dreaming of. Not. What are they, anyhow?? OC faves?
Maybe they’re hoping to film a new reality show in the mall to help pay expenses.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
William is right on about the anti-change bias. However, the demographic is off. I suspect the marketing guys make the same dumb mistake most people who don’t live here make and that is the equation of outrageous real-estate prices and disposable income. There ain’t that many wealthy and there is a whole lot of folks really struggling to make mortgage payments on their 1.5 million dollar, 45 year old, termite infested, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, tract house. I mean really, Ruth Chris? It may be good, but this ain’t no Manhattan.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute … isn’t this just what all you highrise, bigger is better wannabes want? You want L.A. and O.C. in our backyards? Well, looks like you got it AN50. Time to put your money where your mouth is.
June 26th, 2008 at 6:41 am
On the plus side, the nice, big parking lot could be the destination for the increasing number of folks living in their cars, as recently reported on CNN, guaranteed to bring in more. Free bathrooms, entertainment in just watching the rich folks shop, and the kiddies can play on the fake grass. Hint: If people can’t afford the rent, they can’t pay for deluxe stuff!
June 26th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Sears has to go! What a dump!
June 26th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I gotta agree with AN50 on this one. Just because housing costs a fortune, doesn’t mean we have one. Most of us are just squeaking by. That’s one of the reasons for all the granny flats.
June 26th, 2008 at 11:51 am
How about Target in the Sears building? Seems to work in Ventura with two stories. Plenty of parking and local demand. After those high value shopping trips one could take in a meal at Marmalade or Ruth’s. Just a thought. Way better site than the airport.
June 26th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Give it up Jane. We ain’t buyin that OC, LA crap from you nut cases any more. You may scare the squeamish developers and their hideous lawyers with your evil developer garbage. But those of us who have been around for a while and have already heard all this dumbbell, irrational, emotionally boiled over rhetoric know better. Take a valium for your migraine and sell your fear mongering tactics to all the little old ladies you love to scare to death. Preservation is for dead things and limits are for the weak and frightened.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
wow, AN50, while that line about preservation is a good one, it’s not appropriate in this town. There’s still a little left to save that hasn’t been malled-over, and those of us who appreciate it would like to have the opportunity to be good stewards. The limits you decry have made SB a special gem in a beautiful setting. We’d like to keep it that way. No little old lady ageist slurs necessary.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Sorry Art. I just disagree with that. I truly believe that the over application of preservation and limits kills not saves. Yes, preserving historical landmarks and buildings is not only good but necessary for future generations to appreciate where they came from, just like our cultural traditions and values. Limits, applied sparingly and with logic and reason, ensure that free markets and good neighbor relations, don’t boil over. But SB has gone way beyond reasonable, logical or necessary. We trample anything that might be a change unless it’s a change in behavior for the worse.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Rut Roh … looks like I hit a nerve, AN50. What is it with you republican men? You cry so easily and it’s so unbecoming.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I still think it falls on its own within a few years. This town has a history of smashing down those who take away to much of the old and class it up. Anyone recall Cutter Moters? They razed Bobs Big Boy without ever looking in the parking lot (or doing market research) made some big announcements about being high class, and in doing so sent the entire old and rich crowd that actually viewed the early bird dinner there as a social highlight to begin buying in Ventura on principle and doubled the Mercedes dealers sales down there.
And again while we have a lot of money here I just dont see Hope Ranch or Montecito being a big enough base, or willing to make La Cumbre Plaza a destination. And sure you could say San Roque, Mesa, Foothill corridor the thought they were upper middle class might be the base but those people are waking up realizing their homes are nowhere near what they thought and the equity ship has sailed for a while, let alone the upside downs.
Of course this could all just be the 1st sneaky step toward moving toward a urban village development, you know condos, theaters, more dining they have the space.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:17 am
No. There will be no Target at the Sears building. The Sears location is going to be our Rave party venue and all night hangout for our friends. There will be no low end condos or homeless types either. Our private security will keep the riff raff TMZ types out and the favorable paparazzi in. There are plenty of Santa Barbara starry eye’d suckups to support our masterplan. We’ll pay above the Bacarra wages. We’re in and your out you old Santa Barbara saggy breast feeding hippie types! an50 can apply for the concierge or bouncer position.
June 27th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Boo hoo hoo, your so mean, Janie. Your so forceful too, oooh. Do you really want to come out and play with the boys? Care to dazzle us with your wit and intellect? Ya, didn’t think so. Stick to the liberal tactic of ad hominem attacks. Lot easier than coming up with anything intelligent to say. Hell girly, girl if you want, I’ll give ya some physical attributes to criticize, anything to spare you from defending your beliefs or opinions with something intelligent.
Nice going Paris. But if I’m going to bounce, I think it’ll be with Janie MyGrainie.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Isn’t an “Urban Village Development” pretty much what the Whole Foods project is supposed to be? Seems to me if it works well there (that is, if the whackos ever allow that project to go forward), it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to consider for La Cumbre too. First thing they’ll need to do though is put a bunch of underground parking in like El Paseo.
June 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Goodness me, An50, you’re quick to get your drawers in a bunch, even for a republican.
Are you unaware that the words “your” and “you’re” aren’t interchangeable [your so mean … Your so forceful]?
Perhaps you should learn the difference before you challenge anyone else’s wit or intellect, crybaby.
June 29th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Ok, Janie. I actually made that mistake on another response too (there instead of their). Damn spell check helps with my horrible spelling but is useless on the lazy grammar. BTW girlie, girl I’m havin a lot of fun with you, but can we actually spar on the topic? William is no fun because I mostly agree with him. But I got under your skin Janie. So other than grammar or a making the assumption that anyone who disagrees with you is a republican, how about we go at this other assumption that tall buildings and higher densities automatically implies:
a) A love of NY or LA.
b) In agreement with the lunacy of the current city council and their shenanigans.
c) A desire to pave paradise.
d) Can only come from an evil OC developer.
e) A desire for unrestrained growth.
f) You are (staying away from those damn contractions!) a republican.
g) You’re (oops didn’t last long) a smart growth liberal.
h) You’re not wealthy elite.
i) You can’t possibly love SB and want THAT!
j) You must be from out of town.
Etc, etc… I’ve been down this road with a few of the others from your religion, Janie (sweet Mabel, Too Tall and others). Problem is when we get to the point of making credible arguments they all disappear. I’ve asked and pleaded with the limits crowd to bolster their beliefs with some logic and reason, like if all the tallest buildings in the city were built in the 1920’s when SB had a population of 25k, then why, at 90k, are shorter buildings too tall? How about it Janie, care to join the debate? I promise to try and avoid contractions, but my temper and desire to have fun with all the liberal taboos are off limits. I mean jeez, if I call you girlie girl at work I’m fired for sexual harassment. Gotta be some place we can all knock about ideas with out the PC police kicking in our doors, eh, MyGrainie?