Janssens-Orella-Birk Building: A State Street Landmark

Explore the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building in Santa Barbara, a historic landmark showcasing enchanting Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a captivating glimpse into the city's past.

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Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

The Janssens-Orella-Birk Building, a distinguished landmark on State Street in Santa Barbara, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural heritage. Originally constructed in 1927 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, with later modifications, it embodies the elegance and charm that define Santa Barbara's downtown. The building has served as a social hub for the city's literati and celebrities. Today, the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building continues to contribute to the aesthetic appeal of State Street, inviting visitors to step back in time and appreciate the architectural beauty that defines Santa Barbara.

A brief summary to Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

1031 State St, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Downtown, California, 93101, US

Local tips

Explore State Street: The Janssens-Orella-Birk Building is located on State Street, the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Admire the Architecture: Take time to appreciate the Spanish Colonial Revival design, a defining characteristic of Santa Barbara's architectural landscape.
Combine with Other Attractions: Visit nearby landmarks such as the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Santa Barbara Mission to enhance your historical exploration.

Getting There

Walking

The Janssens-Orella-Birk Building is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara on State Street, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station, walk north on State Street for approximately 10 minutes. The building will be on your left at 1031 State Street, between the 1000 and 1100 blocks. As you approach, look for the distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the downtown area, with several routes stopping near the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building. Check the MTD website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the Transit Center, located at 1020 Chapala Street, walk one block east to State Street and the building will be on your right. As of August 18, 2025, the regular adult fare is expected to be $2.50 per ride.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Barbara. Simply request a ride to 1031 State Street. The fare from the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station to the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building is approximately $8-$12, depending on traffic and demand.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 1031 State Street, Santa Barbara. Parking directly on State Street can be challenging, especially during peak hours. However, there are several public parking lots nearby. City Lot #9 (entrances off Anacapa and Canon Perdido Streets) and City Lot #8 (entrances off Anacapa and Carrillo Streets) are within walking distance. The first 75 minutes are free, and each hour or part of an hour after the initial 75 minutes is $1.50. Be aware of street cleaning schedules and time limits on street parking.

Discover more about Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

The Janssens-Orella-Birk Building, located at 1031 State Street in Santa Barbara, is a significant historical landmark that encapsulates the city's architectural evolution and social history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, this two-story structure stands as a prime example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style, a design that has profoundly shaped Santa Barbara's aesthetic identity. The building's origins trace back to the mid-19th century when Augustin Janssens, a Belgian native, constructed an adobe dwelling on the site. In 1872, Bruno Orella, a landowner of Spanish Basque origin, and his wife, Mercedes Gonzalez, acquired the property. The Orella family retained ownership until the 1950s. Fragments of the original adobe walls are integrated into the current structure, serving as a tangible link to the past. In 1927, the architectural firm of Edwards, Plunkett, and Howell designed a new building in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. This design reflected the growing popularity of Spanish-influenced architecture in California, spurred by events such as the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego. The building was expanded in 1932, remodeled in 1946, and restored to its original 1937 appearance in 1987. The Janssens-Orella-Birk Building is characterized by its L-shaped layout, stucco walls, and a combination of tiled and flat roof areas. The northeast facade, which faces State Street, features a balcony and a central patio. A lion-head wall fountain adds a touch of elegance to the patio. The building's exterior reflects the original 1927 design, while the interior has undergone considerable alterations over the years. For nearly six decades, the building served as a social center, most notably as the home of the Copper Coffee Pot restaurant. Established after World War II in memory of Dr. John Manning, the restaurant became a popular gathering place for Santa Barbara's intellectuals and local celebrities. The Copper Coffee Pot closed in 1985, and the building was later converted into office space. The building's name reflects its history: Janssens for the original adobe builder, Orella for the long-time family owners, and Birk for the last owner of the Copper Coffee Pot. The Janssens-Orella-Birk Building's significance extends beyond its architectural merits. It embodies the spirit of Santa Barbara's efforts to rebuild in a unified architectural style following the devastating 1925 earthquake. The city adopted a Spanish Colonial Revival aesthetic, and the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building exemplifies this vision. Today, the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building stands as a reminder of Santa Barbara's past, a testament to the city's architectural vision, and a symbol of its enduring charm. Its location on State Street, the city's main commercial thoroughfare, ensures that it remains a focal point for residents and visitors alike. The building invites exploration, offering a glimpse into the layers of history that have shaped Santa Barbara's unique identity. Visiting the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building offers a chance to connect with Santa Barbara's architectural and social heritage. While the interior has been modernized, the exterior retains its historic character, providing a tangible link to the city's past. The building's location on State Street makes it easily accessible and a natural stop for those exploring downtown Santa Barbara. As you stroll along State Street, take a moment to appreciate the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building. Its elegant facade, with its Spanish Colonial Revival details, tells a story of a city that embraced its history while forging a new identity. The building stands as a reminder of Santa Barbara's commitment to architectural beauty and its enduring appeal as a destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and coastal charm.

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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Mel's Lounge

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The Pickle Room

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Janssens-Orella-Birk Building: A State Street Landmark

A brief summary to Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

Santa Barbara Masonic Temple, Lodge 192 F&AM

Santa Barbara County Landmarks

Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque

El Paseo "Street in Spain"

Paseo de la Guerra

The Orena Adobe

De La Guerra Plaza

Casa Covarrubias

Trinity Episcopal Church

Rafael González House

Residential building

Santa Barbara Historic Lndmrk

Faith Mission

Andalucia Building

Unmissable attractions to see

Santa Barbara Fox

Hill Carrillo Adobe

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

Santa Barbara Public Library

Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara

The Granada Theatre

Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens

Lobero Theatre

Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library

Casa de la Guerra

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

Arlington Theatre

Jamie Slone Wines

Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Essential places to dine

Chase Restaurant and Lounge

Mizza

Petit Valentien

State & Fig

Roy

Finch & Fork

Benchmark Eatery

milk & honey

Sama Sama Kitchen

The Blue Owl

Cajun Kitchen

bouchon Santa Barbara

Olio e Limone Ristorante

California Pasta

Jane

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Yes Store

Lewis & Clark

Anthropologie

Barefoot Boutique

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store

Paradise Found

Marshalls

Sands Boutique

Salt Boutique

Creations Boutique

Adornment

Lovebird Boutique & Jewelry Bar

Evangelina Boutique

Paseo Nuevo

Zitzilin Imports

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Odessa Lounge

The Good Lion