A book by Jeff Shelton.

“I met Neil and Sue Ablitt while I was on a ladder tiling a mosaic blanket at the Pistachio House, which is adjacent to their dry cleaning business. They approached and asked if I’d be interested in working on a new project and I said, “No, sorry, I’m too busy and not taking on any more work.” They proceeded to tell me that the project lot was a bit small, only twenty by twenty feet. Without a second’s hesitation I said, “I’ll take the job.”” — excerpt from The Fig District.

In his colorful new book, Architect Jeff Shelton tells the stories behind eight of his most playful and exuberant downtown Santa Barbara buildings that exist within walking distance of each other and of his Fig Avenue office. Due to their proximity, a sort of informal Walking Tour of the buildings had sprung up organically and Jeff began to get requests for a map, and then for more information about each project. So the concept of an 8 page pamphlet was born. But there were too many stories to tell, the cast of characters too big, so many drawings and photographs to include, that the project grew into an 192 page hardcover book.

Packed with sketches, drawings and paintings, from early concepts to final elevations, The Fig District offers a glimpse into Jeff’s philosophy and design process, and Jason Rick’s beautiful photos reveal each building’s unique hand-crafted elements. The book details Jeff’s love of the pencil and hand-drafting, his creative approach to navigating Santa Barbara’s strict design standards, and the unusually fluid design process that occurs when adventurous clients meet an informally-formed group of local builders and craftspeople, aka the Merry Band of Artisans.

Jeff’s Walking Tour Map is printed in the book so that it can be used as a companion while exploring El Jardin, Cota Street Studios, El Zapato, Vera Cruz, the Ablitt Tower, El Andaluz, and the Pistachio House. The book also includes a fond farewell to Casa Blanca Restaurant.

Hardcover
192 Pages
11.5 x 9.5 inches