Plaza Pacifica: A Home That Persevered
Certain jobs become particularly close to heart, and our Plaza Pacifica project is one of them. We had the pleasure of working on this important project with the notable designer Ann James, architect Troy Worgull, and our wonderful clients who we had worked with before in Montecito and Santa Ynez Valley. While a labor of love, this experience did not come without unique challenges, most notably the devastating Montecito mudslide of 2018. But, more on that later.
Reconstructing the Foundation
Built in 1965, the particular unit we worked on had various issues and demanded an extensive revamp. Our team had to strip the house to its studs to straighten every aspect of the framing; ceiling, walls, and floors.
A Cohesive and Modern Style
After reconstructing this project's foundation, we developed a detailed plan to create an aesthetic that was both contemporary and warm. Our team custom designed and built every piece of woodwork including the doors, cabinets, tables, and shelves. From the travertine slabs to the rift oak veneers, every element was carefully considered to achieve the highest quality craftsmanship and create a cohesive style.
Achieving this was not a simple task. Bradley, who leads our General Contracting and Finish Carpentry Division, spent multiple weeks driving to Southern California slab yards to find the perfect pieces that would enhance the project’s character and design. Furthermore, the home’s continuous ceiling and lack of moulding required high-end precision to achieve clean and smooth lines throughout the house. Doing this well was vital in achieving the sleek, modern aesthetic that sets this home apart.
Unexpected Challenges
About two months into this project, our team faced unexpected challenges that came from the catastrophic Montecito debris flow. Coming against the building, filling the parking space and destroying the garage cabinets, the mudslide blocked access to the Plaza Pacifica complex and delayed our work for multiple months. For the owners of this home, this not only complicated the renovation process and added significant stress, it was also a devastating event that deeply affected their community.
We are incredibly grateful that no one from the Utt Construction team nor the owners of the Plaza Pacifica project were hurt during the debris flow. Yet, the communal loss of this experience had a heavy impact on our hearts. Working together during this hard time made the stunning results all the more meaningful and significant. This project truly was a labor of love as we had the honor of transforming the condo into a family beach refuge.
