EDWARDS AND PLUNKETT: A LEGENDARY ARCHITECTURAL FIRM

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When we think of Santa Barbara's architectural charm, the timeless beauty of Spanish Colonial Revival style often comes to mind. Two names stand out in this genre: William Albert Edwards and James Joseph Plunkett. They formed a prominent architectural firm here in 1925 and helped shape Santa Barbara's identity, blending aesthetic elegance with historical reverence.

View of the facade of the Santa Barbara Airport Terminal with its white stucco walls and red tile roof, and a lawn and trees in front — Santa Barbara Airport Terminal, originally designed by Edwards & Plunkett, architects. Creative Commons license.

The Early Years

William Albert Edwards (1888–1976), a Santa Barbara native, refined his architectural skills at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania before returning home to establish his own firm.

James Joseph Plunkett (1900–1946) was born in Rome, New York, and moved to California in 1922, starting his career at the Santa Maria Inn. His talents eventually led him to Santa Barbara, where he made significant contributions to projects for the Mount Diablo Building Corporation before forming a partnership with Edwards.

The Birth of Edwards and Plunkett

Edwards and Plunkett, united by their passion for sustainable design and community engagement, established their firm in the aftermath of the 1925 earthquake that shook Santa Barbara. On the day of the disaster, they secured a permit to assess the damage, which led to numerous reconstruction commissions and marked the beginning of their collaboration. Central to their shared vision was the belief that architecture could catalyze positive change by creating spaces that harmonized with their surroundings and enriched the lives of their occupants.

The firm rapidly garnered acclaim for its designs, seamlessly aligning with Santa Barbara's vision of embodying a Spanish Mediterranean village. Edwards and Plunkett imprinted a lasting influence on our distinctive look, making our coastal hamlet what it is today.

A hacienda-style Spanish Colonial Revival style home in Santa Barbara with a red tiled roof.

Edwards and Plunkett Influence

An excellent illustration of their contribution to architecture can be found in the hacienda-styled home located in the El Encanto Hotel Historic District of Santa Barbara shown above. Known as "Cottage 22," this Spanish Colonial Revival beauty was an exclusive retreat in the early 20th-century resort, hosting Hollywood stars and prominent business figures. In 1935, Edwards and Plunkett undertook a major redesign and expansion of the cottage making it a true legacy property and one of the most prized homes in Santa Barbara.

A Spanish Colonial styled home framed by majestic mountains with a beautiful yellow sky.

Through their unwavering dedication to their craft, these visionaries instilled a profound sense of historical continuity and refined elegance in our built environment, as evident in Villa Cortina shown above. Although this is not one of their creations, it exemplifies key characteristics of Spanish Colonial Revival style, including:

Stucco Walls: Smooth, plastered exterior walls often painted in warm, earthy tones.
Red-Tiled Roof: A distinctive, clay-tile roof with a rich terracotta color.
Arched Doorways and Windows: Rounded arches that add to the classic Spanish aesthetic.
Wrought Iron Details: Decorative ironwork on railings, balconies, and window grilles.
Mission-Style Elements: Features like exposed wooden beams and handcrafted woodwork.
Courtyards and Loggias: Open, outdoor spaces that create a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor living.
Tile Work: Vibrant, colorful ceramic tiles used in patterns for floors, backsplashes, and accents.

Their influential portfolio encompasses a range of iconic landmarks that have become integral to the city's identity including:

The revered Arlington Theatre, with its distinctive Mission Revival facade, and richly adorned interior,
The historic Janssens–Orella–Birk Building, characterized by its timeless architectural details,
And the original terminal building of the Santa Barbara Airport.

Each of the above projects exemplifies Edwards and Plunkett’s ability to blend traditional Spanish motifs with contemporary design principles seamlessly.

The facade and markee of the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, with its three-arched entryway and blue sky overhead. — Creative Commons

The Arlington Theatre: A Revered Architectural Gem

Perhaps the crowning jewel of Edwards and Plunkett’s portfolio is The Arlington Theatre, a historic movie theatre. Constructed in 1931 for Fox West Coast Theatres, the local landmark has undergone multiple renovations while preserving its atmospheric Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

This representative of classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture embodies Southern California's cultural and architectural resurgence in the early 20th century. The Arlington was designed to evoke the charm and elegance of old Spanish towns with its distinctive Mission Revival-influenced façade, red-tiled roof, and ornate details.

The theater's interior is equally impressive. It features a grand lobby with a vaulted ceiling adorned by Catalonian chandeliers and intricately designed steps leading to the balcony with ironwork balustrades and Tunisian tiles. The auditorium is a marvel, originally framed by a 50-foot-wide, 30-foot-high proscenium arch crafted to resemble a stone bridge, complete with Spanish village motifs that blend seamlessly into the theater's architectural theme.

As for its historical significance, the Arlington Theater is a registered landmark. It holds a special place in Santa Barbara's cultural heritage, not only for its architectural splendor but also for its role as a cultural hub hosting a wide range of performances: from film screenings to live theater and musical events, including the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

The Tower at the Santa Barbar Airport with its red tiled roof, gently curving staircase, and arched windows. — Creative Commons

The Santa Barbara Airport

The original Santa Barbara Airport opened in 1942 and marked a significant development in regional aviation infrastructure. Edwards and Plunkett infused the airport’s terminal building with elegance through Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, characterized by its low-slung red-tiled roof, white stucco walls, and arched doorways and windows. This design choice was deliberate; aiming to evoke the charm and sophistication of Spanish Colonial architecture that still defined the area.

Beyond its architectural significance, the original Santa Barbara Airport connected the city to broader transportation networks and facilitated commercial and private flights. It represented a commitment to modernity while honoring local heritage, making it a practical gateway and a cultural landmark that resonated with the city's identity. Today, while the airport has undergone expansions and renovations to meet contemporary demands, the legacy of its original design by Edwards and Plunkett remains intact.

A street view of a historic Spanish Colonial style building in Santa Barbara. — Creative Commons

The Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

For nearly six decades, the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building stood as a hub of social activity, drawing in the city's literati and celebrities alike. The building’s architecture epitomizes the elegant fusion of Spanish Colonial Revival and broader Mediterranean influences. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the building features a stately facade adorned with stucco detailing, wrought iron accents, and red-tiled roofs that evoke the charm of traditional Spanish villas.

Its grand entrance, framed by arched doorways and windows, welcomes visitors into spacious interiors with high ceilings, graceful arches, and gracefully proportioned rooms. Inside, natural light filters through large windows, illuminating tastefully appointed spaces that once hosted literary salons, art exhibitions, and cultural gatherings.

Their Legacy Continues

Even in modern times, the allure of Edwards and Plunkett’s designs persists. In 2020, celebrities Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom purchased an estate in Montecito designed by the celebrated firm and renovated by Lutah Maria Riggs. The classic property, transformed through Riggs' expertise while preserving the essence of the original vision, stands as an example of how timeless architectural principles can seamlessly blend with modern lifestyles and preferences. The legacy the Edwards and Plunkett architectural firm enriches the narrative of every Spanish style property in Santa Rosa, and reinforces the unique charm that defines our beautiful city.

If you're looking to find your own piece of architectural genius, explore my current listings. Feel free to contact me at (805) 886-9378 or at Cristal@montecito-estate.com for a complimentary consultation.

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