EXCLUSIVE: Old Mission Santa Barbara Revives Centuries-Old Quarry Stones in $1 Million Upgrade
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The famous steps of Old Mission Santa Barbara takes you to one of the most breathtaking views in the city.
For most visitors, it’s a climb they hardly think about.
“It’s a little hard … not too bad,” said visitor Mike Risch.
But for Fiesta dancer Gilda Sahagún, who performs here every year on this celebrated stage, each step feels like a risk.
“This is a challenge for me … especially at my age. Balance is an issue, and I can’t see each step. I take it slowly, one at a time, until I reach the top safely,” said Sahagún.
And for some, reaching the top is impossible.
“People with disabilities … and even some dancers with injuries … simply can’t make it up,” said Sahagún.
After years of visitors struggling with the steep stone steps, the Mission is planning something historic: They’re building a ramp.
“It will be the first time everyone—no matter their mobility—can enter through the front doors of the church,” said Father Dan Lackie of Old Mission Santa Barbara.
But this is no ordinary construction project.
“This mission design hasn’t been altered in 150 years. Even in 1952, the front was rebuilt only as a replica of what had been here before. This is very historic,” said project architect Fred Sweeney.
So historic, regular cement won’t do.
“The idea is to blend the stone of the ramp with the stone on the mission walls today,” said Sweeny.
That meant going back to the source where the original stones were cut centuries ago.
“All that rock was quarried from Tepusquet Canyon in the Santa Maria Valley,” said Sweeney.
Church leaders believe the ramp is essential. But to finish it, they need the community’s help to raise enough funds.
$1 million to be exact.
The price tag is steep, but the project is one most believe is long overdue.
“We want everyone to be welcomed. We want them to enter with dignity and safety,” said Lackie.
And in the spirit of giving back, Sweeney is donating his work.
“This is pro bono. This has been my home for nearly 50 years, and this is my gift to the community,” said Sweeney.
And while the Mission gains something new, it will still look timeless, as if the ramp had always been there.
To date, approximately $760,000 has been raised through individual donations. St. Barbara Parish has pledged $150,000 from its reserve fund as a matching grant to encourage community support.
“This is a vital improvement for parishioners and visitors,” said Maria Cabrera, a Mission docent, parishioner, and former Fiesta Presidente. “It allows everyone to share in the life of the Mission.”
The Old Mission, a Santa Barbara landmark and hub for community events, is asking for continued donations to help finish the project. Contributions can be made at SantaBarbaraMission.org.
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