It’s music to downtown’s ears.
What was most recently a seasonal Halloween store and before that the home of a Forever 21 clothing store soon will become another home to the Music Academy of the West.
The organization has acquired the building at 901 State St. in Santa Barbara to offer programming and a variety of events. It announced the news in an email to its members on Tuesday.
In the email, the academy stated that it has “plans to transform it into a dynamic new hub for music education and community engagement.”
The building was previously owned by Ray Mahboob.
“This visionary project is made possible by a landmark commitment of $20 million from Cheryl Goldberg, founding contributor to the Music Academy’s Music Education Center — a testament to bold philanthropy in honor of her late husband, Michael Goldberg, a distinguished former executive of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.,” the statement said. “Their remarkable generosity reflects a deeply held belief in music’s power to unite communities, elevate spirits and enrich lives across generations.”
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse expressed excitement about the news.
“This is a defining moment for Santa Barbara’s future … a city where the arts don’t just survive, but flourish,” Rowse said.
Santa Barbara City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez agreed.
“I believe that this is great news,” he said, “and having two arts- and education-related organizations on the same block will be a huge benefit for our downtown and State Street.”
The Music Academy move adds to the excitement already over the Santa Barbara Film Center, which is leasing the former Fiesta Five Theater at 916 State St.
The entire theater facility will be upgraded. It will receive new seating, sound, heating and air conditioning, and modern projection and sound. The theater will have five auditoriums.
Auditorium one will be committed to first-run American, independent films, and auditorium two will feature international films. The third auditorium will feature older films. The fourth auditorium will feature documentaries from all countries with a focus on social justice messages. The fifth screen of the venue will show family programs.
The Film Center is under renovation but already has sparked massive interest, the latest wave of growth for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
“The Music Academy’s vision to infuse more music into the daily life of Santa Barbara’s downtown is inspiring, and it aligns so well with our collective goals for a vibrant, creative, engaged community,” City Councilwoman Meagan Harmon said. “Plus, with its proximity to the new SBIFF film center, I believe we are witnessing the beginning of a true downtown transformation into an exciting and activated cultural hub. I can’t wait to learn more about the Music Academy’s plans.”
The email said the organization plans to “offer public concerts, educational programs for all ages, and dynamic artistic collaborations — bringing music into the daily life of our city and helping shape a more creative and connected Santa Barbara.”