A designated City Landmark, the Plaza del Mar Band Shell was originally built in 1919 to provide a venue for public concerts. In May of that year, approximately five thousand people attended the opening concert featuring a 22-piece municipal band. While the Band Shell hosted countless concerts, dramatic performances, recitals, speeches, and community events over 100 years, the building eventually fell into disrepair and was deemed unsafe for public use in 2020.
The Plaza del Mar Band Shell Renovation Project aimed to return a vibrant space for music, art, culture, and community events to one of Santa Barbara's oldest parks. The full-scale renovation restored the structure’s historical charm while incorporating modern amenities to accommodate a diverse range of public events. Work included structural repairs to the building frame, replacement of the roof and wood stage, restoration of the original stage lighting, installation of full electrical service, and construction of an accessible pathway and ramp leading to the stage.
Funding for the project included $800,000 in federal funding from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), $275,000 in City funds (General Fund and Measure C), a $177,000 grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and $55,500 in private funding, donated through the PARC Foundation. Private funding includes $25,000 from the Santa Barbara Foundation, $10,000 from the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, $10,000 from the Tuohy Foundation, $10,000 from Santa Barbara Beautiful, and $500 from a private donor.