These are the condos that weren't built... but this 9-story-tall proposed project is what got Santa Barbara's Charter the 60’ height limit.

Although the community was opposed, Pearl Chase among many others, the city council granted a variance to allow these 107’ high buildings in 1968. The City was sued for violating its own 60' limit ordinance, and it lost. The present limits were then put in the city Charter through a ballot initiative in 1972.

Section 1506.     Building heights. Limitations.

It is hereby declared the policy of the City that high buildings are inimical to the basic residential and historical character of the City.  ....  (Approved by election held November 7, 1972.) 

This is a prime example of the need for citizen action to preserve and protect our city for future generations, instead of leaving basic decisions to sway to political — politically correct — winds, gale-force at times, and in the already full hands of term-limited city council members.

Drawing from the files of Sheila Lodge;
June flowers in Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden where there could have been these condos.