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The Granada Theater
Deborah Dal Zuffo

Starting promptly at 1210, the tour of the historical Granada Theatre restoration project began with a climb up the now dusty stairs into the “tower”, the tallest building in Santa Barbara. The tour, provided by Steve Metch, AIA Architect, was a step into the past and a vision of the future.

First stop was temporary office space located in the tower structure. The room was adorned with architectural drawings and a scatter of theatre chairs, a hint of the future seating to be installed in the theatre. Steve’s talk began with discussion of the beginnings of the building, and little known architect, A. B. Rosenthal, who according to historical records, designed only one other theatre in Los Angeles, and that building has since been demolished.

The tour progressed onto a platform high above the cavernous hole that will soon house the theatre itself. Now a bustle of activity, workers were immersed in their work, oblivious to the 70+ architects and architectural enthusiasts on the floor several stories above. The space below, home of the future stage and seating area reveals secrets long hidden from view. Ornately painted beams and a massive chandelier are now visible, exposed after the removal of a ceiling installed by Metropolitan Theatres to convert the upper area into a movie theatre. Steve spoke of how the chandelier will be restored, pulling the theatre’s hidden treasures into the present. He discussed the acoustics and design of the space. One could almost hear Bach or Verde above the cacophony of the construction noise.

The tour then progressed to the parking area outside, providing a ground-level perspective of the massive structure. Upon completion of the hour-long tour, many members of the group walked to the steps of the Sunken Gardens at the Courthouse for dessert and beverages provided by the Santa Barbara AIA Chapter.

In addition to CEU credits earned, the tour was enriching from a historical perspective as well. Steve promised to provide an “update” tour if there is interest in viewing the progress. The project is scheduled for completion in Fall of 2007.

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