After months of rainy weather, the city has started the Alameda Park bandstand restoration project.
Built in 1888, the bandstand is over 135 years old and last restored in 1981. Repairs include replacing the structure’s roof, ceiling, floor stair treads and guardrails, according to the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department.
The project will also include seismic and waterproofing features aimed at increasing the longevity of the landmark.
The project will hopefully be completed this spring, but not before the Earth Day celebration held in the park every April, Parks and Recreation Director Jill Zachary said.
“The bandstand is not currently useable,” Zachary told Noozhawk. “The area is fenced for construction and will remain fenced during the festival.”
Alameda Park covers two full city blocks at 1400 Santa Barbara St.
The bandstand restoration will cost more than $300,000, with funding of $216,118 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and $110,979 from the city’s general fund.
The city also plans to restore the Plaza del Mar band shell this year, Zachary said.
The band shell, at the park at Cabrillo Boulevard and Castillo Street, was constructed in 1919.
Repairs for the band shell includes the building’s frame, a new roof and wood stage, electrical upgrades, restoration of the stage lighting, and adding a wheelchair ramp to the stage, according to the project’s webpage. The Historic Landmarks Commission approved the project in September 2021.
The total cost of restoring the band shell is $950,000. The city has secured $925,000 from several state and private funds and is currently seeking the final $25,000 required in order to fund the project.
According to Zachary, both locations do have additional water damage and the repairs will address these issues.
Zachary said both the Alameda Park bandstand and the Plaza del Mar band shell are Santa Barbara “treasures” each with a long history of supporting community gatherings.
“We are pleased to be able to return them to their former glory,” Zachary said.
