Preserving Santa Barbara With Meticulous Craftsmanship
A town’s history deeply influences its character and sense of community. Its buildings are witnesses to the architectural and cultural past, establishing a sense of place and connection. Utt Construction has had the honor of working on some of Santa Barbara’s most charming and cherished properties. Preserving historical integrity while simultaneously improving a project is a rewarding experience, and we take pride in completing historic renovations with precision and care.
Saint Mary’s Retreat: An Unforgettable Opportunity
We had the privilege of renovating Saint Mary’s Retreat. Once part of the Santa Barbara Mission property, the retreat is a historical landmark with three main structures on just under five acres. When undertaking a historical renovation, there are numerous guidelines and regulations to follow. Preservation societies must review design plans, prescribe standards, and grant permits. Before breaking ground, we worked with El Pueblo Viejo and archaeologists to ensure that every element of our project protected the historical aspects of the property.
Our team added a two-story wing consisting of two bedrooms and baths to the primary residence built in the 1880s. An elegant craftsman home, we preserved the building’s charm and ensured that each addition was in-line with the original aesthetic. We gutted and remodeled the kitchen and dining room, creating beautiful and functional amenities for the residents to enjoy. We also renovated the adjacent Tea House nestled above Mission Creek. Originally built by the Hazard family, the round structure has curved mahogany walls and roof rafters.
With gorgeous mountain views, stunning craftsman details, and rich history, the Saint Mary’s Retreat renovation was an opportunity we’ll never forget.
Honoring the Original Charm of the Spencer House
Utt Construction also renovated the kitchen and bathroom of the Spencer House on West Victoria Street. Built in 1875, the Spencer House is recognized by the City of Santa Barbara as a Structure of Merit. This status was established to encourage the preservation of Santa Barbara’s streetscapes and building fabric. The former single-family residence is now composed of 12 different offices in 4 separate suites. The building boasts spacious, light-filled rooms with hardwood floors, French doors, fireplaces, and 12’ high ceilings.
Our team updated the bathroom and kitchen, maintaining its original style while improving the facilities to implement modern amenities. With shaker-style cabinets, we outfitted the kitchen with materials accurate to the home’s Victorian period. The frame and panel doors have wider bottom-rails, a signature design in the late 1800s.
We completed the bathroom with Carrara Marble Tile. As the Victorian age progressed towards the 20th century, tile became the wall covering of choice, and especially white tiles, were the best sanitary materials available. Bradley and the team worked meticulously to ensure that our craftsmanship paralleled the original home. Even making sure the color of the grout matched the authentic tiles, every detail was carefully considered to create a space that combines functionality with historical integrity.
Where Structure Meets Style
Whether a famous landmark or a nostalgic family home, historic renovations should reflect the structure’s original character. Clients often ask us, “What should be done here? What will look nice there?” And almost always, the short answer is simply: ask the house. Every well-built home has an underlying style, and if you pay close attention, you’ll bring its authentic charm back to life.