Elijah Brumback

The first shovel full of dirt for Terraza, a project billed as a cutting-edge sustainable housing community in San Luis Obispo, flew at a Nov. 12 groundbreaking.

Located in the heart of San Luis Obispo at 215 Bridge St. and designed by Garcia Architecture & Design, Terraza’s modern design elements are expected to set the tone for future housing development in the city’s urban core.

“We are delighted to be at the point of breaking ground on this community project and provide the residents of SLO with a brand new and modern housing development,” said developer Justin Slade.

The project consists of 18 residential homes and eight live-work lofts. Amenities include access to the Woodbridge Trail and South Hills Preserve and communal barbeques with open spaces. Some units include rooftop decks.

In addition to the use of sustainable building materials, the project boasts an on-site storm-water management and rain-retention system that captures run-off before reaching the creek that runs through the build site. Permeable pavers and decomposed granite on driveways allow for on-site soil percolation with environmentally conscious drainage. The buildings were orientated east to west to reduce the use of artificial heating and cooling. Future residents can also opt to have solar panels installed.

Blades of glory

Ice skating isn’t the type of activity that one would immediately associate with the South Coast, but that could change as one local organization looks to increase its offerings in the community.

The Greater Santa Barbara Ice Skating Association, or GSBISA, recently secured construction financing for a new ice rink and a groundbreaking is tentatively slated for Nov. 20. A Midwest native and die-hard Detroit Redwings fan, this editor is a little skeptical and also a bit protective of the sanctity of such winter-weather related activities — especially in places that can’t have ice naturally, but I digress.

If it weren’t for the undeniable strength of the National Hockey League’s Western Conference, I might be a little more suspect of such a prospect, but then again it’s all about the love of the game. And the simple fact that GSBISA raised enough money to get the project off the ground proves there’s a genuine interest in the community.

GSBISA raised financial support through pledges and donations to start work on the project. As construction begins on the Ice in Paradise skating arena, as it’s called, GSBISA will launch a final community campaign fundraising effort.

“We are so excited to see this incredible community asset become a reality, and we appreciate each and every one of our donors, foundations, local businesses, and supporters who have been behind us all these years. I can’t wait to see all ages and families gliding across the ice,” said Kathy Mintzer, GSBISA president.

Ice in Paradise is under development at the corner of Santa Felicia and Storke Road in Goleta next to Girsh Park. The ice rink will provide a permanent, energy efficient, public recreation and sports facility serving youth, adults, students and families in the Santa Barbara area.

The 46,500 square foot building will feature an NHL-size main rink, a smaller studio rink, an after-school homework center, public skating and learn-to-skate programs, facilities and programs for figure skaters, hockey players and other ice sports. Special design features will allow for adaptive ice sports, including sled hockey for Wounded Warriors and other mobility-impaired athletes.

According to Jack Norqual, GSBISA campaign chair, the “state-of-the-art rink will make the great recreation of ice skating, and the sports that accompany it, available to all residents of the Santa Barbara community. Although our fundraising has taken longer than anticipated, we have never compromised on the quality of our ice rink. Thanks to the patience of our donors and supporters, Ice in Paradise will now be an important part of our community for generations to come.”

Beginning in early November, the entire Santa Barbara community will have the chance to get involved in the Community Campaign by purchasing a donor brick to be placed in the Donor Park in front of the Ice in Paradise building.

Completion of the facility is anticipated for September 2015.