The Santa Barbara Legend Who Inspired Us
It has been a minute
(about six weeks)
since I sat down to write, things have been buzzing at Kellow Construction. This year has brought us some of our most exciting and creative projects yet. We are seeing more and more people settling down here in Santa Barbara, and with interest rates doing what they are doing, a lot of families are choosing to remodel rather than move. It has been amazing to help longtime locals and new residents alike reimagine their homes.
I grew up here, and watching the changes in our city has been fascinating. There is a lot of talk about how much Santa Barbara is evolving, but from my perspective, it still feels deeply familiar. That said, one shift I have been keeping a close eye on is something that hits close to home, the growing trend of privatizing public spaces.
As someone who cares deeply about community, I feel strongly about preserving shared spaces for everyone. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and that beauty should be accessible to all. My personal hero, Pearl Chase, understood this better than anyone. She championed the preservation of Santa Barbara’s soul, its natural beauty, its shared spaces, and its architectural integrity. If you are not familiar with her, take a minute to read about her here.
Lately, I have noticed more and more public spaces being rented out for private commercial use, places like The Barbara or SB Trapeze that occupy areas once open to everyone. I understand the need for small businesses to get creative, it is tough to make it here. But when these deals are made behind closed doors, with the approval of public officials, it chips away at something essential. When we pay to access what used to be free, we are participating in a quiet shift away from true community space.
If you are interested in exploring this idea further, I highly recommend the book How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell. It is a beautiful reflection on the importance of place, presence, and public life—and it offers a deeper understanding of why protecting these spaces matters so much.
I do not bring this up to point fingers. I bring it up to encourage awareness. To honor the legacy of people like Pearl Chase. And to remind ourselves that our city is at its best when we protect what belongs to everyone.
Bringing Pearl’s Spirit Into Design Build
Pearl Chase believed that beauty, order, and thoughtful design could uplift an entire community. At Kellow Construction, that same spirit runs through everything we do.
Our approach is not just about building beautiful homes, it is about building with purpose. We believe that design should be grounded in reality, shaped by budget, and led with heart. Too often, we see projects where design and cost are disconnected, leading to frustration, delays, and tough choices at the finish line. That is not how we work.
At Kellow Construction, we integrate design, budget, and build from day one. We work side by side with our clients to create homes that reflect their values, respect their investment, and honor the community we all share. We bring clarity, collaboration, and craftsmanship to every step of the process.
In a way, it is our own modern take on Pearl’s vision, protecting what matters, designing with intention, and helping create spaces that serve folks for generations.
Thank you for following along with us. And thank you for caring not just about the homes we build, but about the place we all call home.
Warmly,
Emily Kellow
