Alma del Pueblo Set for Summer/Fall Opening

In addition, there is 27,711 square feet of commercial space of which 19,800 square feet is the Santa Barbara Public Market, which will open in the summer of 2013 and will offer a mix of best in class food and wine merchants. The new development will invigorate a half-block in the heart of Santa Barbara’s cultural and performing arts district. San Francisco and Santa Barbara-based Urban Developments is leading the project, transforming the former Von’s grocery store site into a high performance mixed use LEED-Platinum development. Residential amenities include courtyards, a clubroom and terrace for entertaining, a private rooftop garden, raised planter beds, potting shed, wine storage, bike storage and two guest rooms for homeowners’ exclusive use.

“Our company is deeply committed to creating vibrant, sustainable urban developments that add character and value to the community as a whole,” said Marge Cafarelli, managing partner with Urban Developments. “Alma del Pueblo not only offers homes in the heart of Santa Barbara, but also will enliven and anchor the neighborhood with a project of exceptional quality.”

The Santa Barbara Public Market, with its open layout, will showcase 17 merchants selling a variety of handcrafted, sustainable foods and other items. Urban Developments has spent the past three years curating the finest regional purveyors of quality foods to bring these “best-in-class” vendors to the Market. The first leases signed include Enjoy Cupcakes, Flagstone Pantry, il Fustino oils and vinegars, the Pasta Shoppe and Foragers Pantry.

“The Santa Barbara Public Market will be a gathering place for everyone to share and celebrate the best our region has to offer in terms of food, wine, sustainability, and community,” noted Kristen Desmond, owner of Flagstone Pantry. “As a neighbor, chef, and small business owner, I can’t think of a better home for Flagstone Pantry.”

Other Facts About Alma del Pueblo:

• Located on the corner of West Victoria and Chapala Streets, next door to the historic Arlington Theatre, across from the New Vic Theatre (new home to Ensemble Theatre Company), and a half-block from the Granada Theatre.

• The project’s green footprint includes a Walk-Score of 100, electric-vehicle charging stations, renewable solar energy, and storm water management plan with energy savings up to 48 percent.

• Three-story building with 39,000 square feet of residential space and 27,711 square feet of commercial.

• 37 residential units on the first, second and third floors, five of which are middle-income units.

• Underground parking.

• Designed by Cearnal Andrulaitis Architects.

• General Contractor for the project is the Build Group, Inc.

About Alma del Pueblo

Alma del Pueblo is a LEED Platinum mixed-use project in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Its 37 residential units offer buyers old world ambiance with new world amenities, such as an elegant clubroom and terrace for private entertaining, wine storage, bike storage, a private rooftop garden, raised planter beds for homeowners and more. The ground floor of Alma del Pueblo will be home to the Santa Barbara Public Market, a gathering place to shop for and to eat the finest in artisanal, sustainably made food and wine. The Public Market features 17 independent merchants, selected from among the finest regional purveyors of quality food. The Market opens this summer. Alma del Pueblo homes will be ready for move-in in October of 2013.

About Urban Developments

Urban Developments is a California based real estate investment and development company that acts as principal developer, investing, developing and managing multiple real estate opportunities. Urban Developments has collaborated on over $250 million in project assets over the last 10 years, including high-rise and mid-rise residential mixed use development and adaptive re-use. Environmental sustainability, a focus on urban infill/mixed-use projects and enhancing communities and lifestyles are among Urban Developments’ core values.