A Remarkable Restoration
The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) has been implementing a remarkable plan for the restoration of The Granada, set to open in March 2008. With the help of the New York firm Sachs Morgan—theatre consultants for The Pantages in Los Angeles, The Orpheum in San Francisco and ten Broadway theatres—we’ve created a comprehensive vision which includes:
- Excellent, comfortable seating and reconfigured sightlines for 1,550 patrons
- Restored loge and balcony sections with eight charming side boxes
- Numerous refinements to the excellent Granada acoustics
- Custom-designed orchestra shell
- Elegantly restored and improved lighting throughout
- New state-of-the-art box office and support suite
- Significantly expanded orchestra pit and backstage areas
- First-class, computer-controlled stage equipment and sound systems
- 50 new make-up stations in 11 new dressing rooms
- Beautifully restored and upgraded public spaces and amenities
- Extensive "new" Spanish decorative elements throughout
- New "Shubert Alley" in the Paseo de las Granadas - the gateway
to Santa Barbara's cultural arts district
The addition of period fixtures and other decorative elements throughout the theatre, lobby and lounges will bring new beauty and splendor to the space. The original chandelier, stored in a closed-off balcony for years, will also be restored to its place of honor.
To support this exciting plan, SBCPA has created or acquired an additional 13,000 sq. ft. of adjacent space to ensure audience comfort and fulfill the needs of the performers and audience.
The newly restored Granada will be an anchor for the downtown cultural district. Downtown businesses will benefit greatly by the increased pedestrian traffic generated by Granada presentations, and the many superb restaurants in the area will guarantee patrons a wonderful and convenient night out on the town.
Considering that a brand-new performing arts facility would cost well over $125 million, The Granada restoration, at a price tag near $50 million, is extremely cost-effective. Most importantly, future generations will inherit a beautiful Santa Barbara landmark;
a theatre combining the charm of the past with the technology and amenities of the future.
We hope you will join us as a part of The Granada Restoration team!
