I know the city is working on a new building for the Santa Barbara Police Department. Once it’s finished, what will happen to the current building on E. Figueroa Street? —A.

“There has been nothing decided as of yet, but city staff is looking at several ideas to determine the highest and best use for the space,” said Shelly Cone, the city’s community engagement manager and public information officer.

The big decision will be whether to try and work with the existing building at 215 E. Figueroa Street (Garden/Santa Barbara) or tear it down. “There have been no decisions at all,” said Cone when I asked specifically about demolition. “It’s a process, and there are ideas being discussed, but it’s still just in the idea phase.” I’m waiting to hear back exactly what the process entails, and whether it starts with the city administrator or someone else.

While the main reason the SBPD has wanted to move is size—the new building at the corner of Cota and Santa Barbara, where the Saturday farmers’ market is now, will be much larger*—its current building is also in need a lot of work. A 2010 assessment by Paul Poirer & Associates Architects laid out the many issues with the 1959 building—seismic, asbestos and lead, ADA compliance, and more. Given that it is not considered a jewel in the architectural crown of Santa Barbara, and is not protected in any way, I wouldn’t be surprised if the city argues for demolition. A consolidation of the city’s many separate offices into one administrative complex might be a prudent move, as it would free up land for low-income housing. The lot at 215 E. Figueroa is 1.1 acres.

*The existing building is 24,164 square feet, with a 9,608-square-foot annex. The new building will be 64,000 square feet, with an 84,000-square-foot parking structure.

P.S. The farmers’ market will likely move to the intersection of State and Carrillo.

Got a question you’d like investigated? Email [email protected] or text 917-209-6473.

Previous Burning Questions: ••• How does the city decide to mark bike lanes? ••• What’s the story with this house on W. Cota Street? ••• What are those little houses on Santa Barbara Street? ••• Which Highway 101 exits are getting renamed? ••• Why is so much of the Macy’s store empty? ↓↓↓ Will Delta Air Lines ever reinstate service to Santa Barbara Airport? ••• Is the Music Academy of the West adding pedestrian gates? ••• Is the county really taking private property for trailhead parking? ••• Why does the Coast Village Road median look so bad? ••• Is Santa Barbara going to introduce residential compost bins? ••• What’s the point of this light pole near the freeway? ••• Why are the city’s parking lots scanning license plates? ••• What’s inside Paseo Nuevo’s State Street tower? ••• What’s the point of these markings on Laguna Street? ••• Why is there a giant red shoe off Highway 101? ••• Will the Dorinda Triangle ever get beautified? ••• Are we no longer allowed on the SBHS baseball field? ••• What does “SBTP” on this post mean? ••• What’s up with the “no e-bike” signs on local trails? ••• Why is Franceschi House in a holding pattern? ••• Why is there a train station inside this State Street storefront? ••• What’s happening with this derelict house in Summerland? ••• Why is there wood on some power lines? ••• Can you explain how sundowner winds work? ••• Why is there a pressure cooker attached to this utility pole? ••• What’s this concrete ramp thing on East Beach? ••• Why does “USA” get written on the street? ••• What are those poles in the ocean near the Ritz-Carlton Bacara? ••• Are people really allowed to set fires in the middle of Montecito? ••• What’s the story with the half-finished lot next to the Montecito Country Mart? 

Sign up for the Siteline email newsletter and you’ll never miss a post.

Tags: 215 E. Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara Police Department

You can unsubscribe at any time.

The one that bugs me is the new sign for El Sueño. The new one has no tilde (n instead of ñ). — Patricia

The former owners of Little Kitchen opened Rodeo Room in the Funk Zone with nibbles and cocktails. — Tracy

Love your newsletter and the writing style—a breath of fresh air amidst the all the puffery of other online publications. — Roberta Grant

I don't have any issue with the credit-card fee being passed on to consumers, but I don't think a note on the menu is enough—it's… — Erik Torkells

The new multi-use paths are designed for walkers, runners, ebikes (if they qualify) as well as kids on bikes, bike commuters and serious cyclists. It’s… — CeeS

I go out to eat 3-4 times a week and I talk to restaurant, managers and owners and more often than not hear just how… — Robert w.

I couldn't begin to tell who you might have a total accounting, as some of these are overseen by the city and others by the… — Erik Torkells

I am very curious about the total cost of all these bicycle pathways, tunnels, bridges being built. I’m sure the serious bike rider membership may… — Chainsaw

Gelson's @ the Loreto Plaza — Jeremy

We’ve actually known about the San Roque location for a while but I appreciate your enthusiasm and have fun at the party — Erik Torkells

Food news: Tyger Tyger will return next month; Rare Society happy hour; Ojai restaurant adds a 2.9% surcharge for credit cards; new ownership at Carpinteria’s Corktree Cellars; a bounty of fresh herbs at Gelson’s; the menu at Vega Vineyard & Farm in Buellton; Bree’osh now bakes challah weekly. More at SitelineSB.com ...