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Overview

The Mission Revival front facade took its stylistic cues from the original Santa Barbara Mission, notable for its two square, stepped towers surmounted by round domes. The Hotel Arlington #2 had two towers of unequal heights, unlike the Santa Barbara Mission, and did not retain its templar front.

Building History

This second hotel replaced the popular tourist destination, the Arlington Hotel #1 that burned on 08/15/1909 due to electrical problems.

Architect Arthur Benton (1858-1927), the designer of the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA, designed this second hotel.

Following the demolition of the Arlington Hotel #2, the property lay fallow for several years. Construction on a portion of the lot began in 1930 when the Fox Arlington Theatre was begun.

Demolition

The Arlington Hotel #2 was heavily damaged in the 06/29/1925 Santa Barbara Earthquake, and was torn down shortly thereafter. A rooftop water tower toppled in the quake, killing two penthouse guests.

PCAD id: 4931