We recently had the honor of refinishing the front entrance of The Granada Theatre, an iconic city landmark on State Street.
The entryway of the Granada Theatre is more than an architectural feature — it’s the threshold to one of Santa Barbara’s most important cultural institutions. Our team recently completed a restoration of this historic space on State Street, a project that allowed us to support a landmark with a long, carefully preserved story.
The Granada’s modern chapter began in the late 1990s, when the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts chose restoration over new construction after extensive feasibility studies. Its downtown location, excellent acoustics, and historic character made it the ideal home for the region’s top performing arts organizations. Their input led to a renovation ambitious enough to meet the technical and structural needs of symphony, opera, ballet, and touring productions for generations to come.
When the theater reopened in 2008, it emerged as a state-of-the-art venue built behind its familiar façade — a blend of historic charm and modern capability. Contributing to the upkeep of its entryway allowed us to help protect a piece of Santa Barbara’s artistic legacy and ensure it continues welcoming audiences with the presence it deserves.
The 1924 Entryway Restored with it’s Original Hardware
We started this project in early October, working closely with the theater staff to finish it within one week. Our team removed the old hardware, sanded all surfaces down to the bare wood to remove the remaining clear coat and existing stain. We then created a custom stain blend to restore the entryway’s charm topped off with two coats of clear varnish for protection. Finally, we reinstalled the original hardware.
Thanks to the theater’s flexibility in allowing a temporary entrance closure, our crew was able to complete the restoration seamlessly and efficiently. The result? A beautifully renewed entrance that once again welcomes theatergoers with elegance and charm, ready to shine for years to come.
BEFORE
AFTER
See It For Yourself!
If you find yourself on State Street, take a moment to check out the Granada Theatre and it’s new entryway! It’s a small but meaningful part of a landmark that continues to showcase how thoughtful restoration can honor history while enhancing the experience for today’s community.
Want to see behind the scenes? Watch the video above where Justin, one of our owners, walks you through the entire project from start to finish. You’ll see firsthand the care and expertise that went into revitalizing this local treasure.
At Fresh Coat Painters, we’re more than just painters—we’re caretakers of your space, whether it’s a historic landmark or your family home.
Schedule a free onsite quote and let us help you bring your next painting project to life!