THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RR ROUNDHOUSE
This property was the site for two locomotive
roundhouses constructed by the Southern Pacific
Railroad. The first stood between 1911 and 1925,
when the June 29, 1925, earthquake severly damaged
it. Miss Pearl Chase of the Plans and Planting
Committee, Community Arts Association, convinced
the railroad to design the new building in the Spanish
style for which Santa Barbara was becoming famous.
The beautiful result resembled the bullring in Seville,
Spain.
From 1926 to 1961 the roundhouse and engine
turntable serviced the Southern Pacific's steam loco-
motives; by 1961 the coast route had converted to
diesel power. The structure was then remodeled for
warehouse use and the turntable was removed. In
September, 1982, the roundhouse was demolished to
make way for a resort hotel. The hotel's ground floor
plaza symbolizes the hiostoric roundhouse.
Plaque dedicated May 16, 1998
Santa Barbara Parlor No. 116,
Native Sons of the Golden West
Jessee M Gracia, Grand President
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