Big changes are coming to the Target Shopping Center in Goleta.

The North Hollywood-based Merlone Geier Partners is planning a major renovation of the strip mall on Hollister Avenue.

The tenants have been given notice that construction will begin in March. Some of them who spoke to Noozhawk on the condition of anonymity said their rents were increased and it is likely that they won’t stay.

The businesses located in that area include Cajun Kitchen, Sam’s to Go, Subway, Pollofino, Saigon Noodle House and others. It is unclear who plans to leave and who will remain.

Soraya Sharifi-Slaughter, vice president at Merlone Geier Partners, told Noozhawk that 30% of the tenants would not return.

“The entire building façade is being redone,” Sharifi-Slaughter said through email. “Seventy percent of the existing tenants are signing long-term leases, and we are in various stages of lease negotiations; 30% of the spaces are being leased to new tenants.”

Some tenants told Noozhawk the number of tenants leaving would be much higher than 30%.

Sharifi-Slaughter said the company hopes to have the strip mall completed by the end of 2025.

“Tenants that will be remaining at the center may continue to be open and operating during construction,” she said. “In addition, many of these existing tenants will be closing temporarily to conduct their own interior remodels.”

One of the businesses that declined to sign a new lease at a higher rent was 9Round Kickbox Fitness. The business, which opened at that location in June 2024, told its members in an emailed letter this week that it would offer studio hours until Feb. 22.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to your health and the 9Round community,” the letter states. ” … We wish you all the best in your continued fitness journey and hope to cross paths again soon.”

Merlone Geier Partners is heavily marketing the properties. According to its marketing brochure, it lists two tenants as Target and Giovanni’s Pizza, which apparently has signed a lease for opening after the renovation.

“Goleta has strong household incomes with an average of $124,000 within a 1-mile radius of the center,” the brochure states. “Draws from its close proximity to UC Santa Barbara with current enrollment exceeding 24,000 students. Benefits from easy access to and from Highway 1 and Highway 101.”

The brochure lists 11 of 12 spaces as “available or coming soon.”

The area was once anchored by Kmart, but Target replaced it 2019. The other half of the mall, where Chipotle, Dune Coffee Roasters, Ca’Dario and other businesses are located, is owned by a different company.

UCSB Pops Up Downtown

UC Santa Barbara has opened a Gaucho Shop in the Paseo Nuevo mall.

The pop-up shop, at 819-D State St., is the university’s first off-campus Gaucho Shop.

“Fans can shop for limited edition Gaucho gear beginning Sunday, Jan. 19 through the end of February,” according to a UCSB Athletics news release. “During that period, the Paseo Nuevo shop will be the exclusive seller and location for all Gaucho merchandise. … No sales will be made on campus within athletic facilities.”

The university also at some point plans to host meet-and-greets with student-athletes.

SEE Vision Care Moves to New Building

SEE Vision Care has moved to 295 Pine Ave. in Goleta after 12 years on Hollister Avenue.

It plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Attendees can tour the facility.

SEE Vision Care offers free eye care to uninsured and under-insured community members.

“The clinic continues to offer comprehensive eye exams, prescription glasses, and other essential eye care services to those who need them most,” according to a news release. “By addressing unmet vision needs, SVC remains a vital resource for individuals and families in the community.”

Hotel Occupancy Steady in December, Jumps in January

Hotel statistics for the South Coast for December showed 59% occupancy, the same as the prior year.

“The average rate for a Santa Barbara South Coast hotel room in December 2024 was $292 a night, up 5% from the same month last year,” according to a news release from Visit Santa Barbara. “Revenue per available hotel room was $171 in December 2024, increasing 5% compared to the same month last year. “

Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, said: “Holiday travel cemented record-breaking transient occupancy tax projections within the city of Santa Barbara for the eighth straight month, while the city of Goleta set new records for December occupancy.

“The Santa Barbara South Coast region proved to be an undeniable draw, ensuring 2024 ended on a high note.”

The data referenced is generated by STR, an independent hospitality data analytics company. It includes hotels in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Summerland and unincorporated Santa Barbara County (between Gaviota and Summerland).

Janega-Dykes also addressed the influx of individuals staying in Santa Barbara after the Los Angeles fires.

“While not covered by the latest report, our community saw an unexpected increase in visitors in early January, due to evacuees from the tragic fires in Los Angeles,” Janega-Dykes said. “It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from our community for these visitors seeking refuge during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

“We’d like to acknowledge the hardworking hospitality and hotel workers across the region who have not only provided discounted rates to evacuees but have gone above and beyond to ensure their guests’ comfort and safety during this difficult time.” 

Visit Santa Barbara’s list of evacuee discounts at South Coast hotels and attractions continues to be available at santabarbaraca.com/lodging-evacuee-rate/. Data from January’s performance will be available next month, according to the news release.