Tag archives: Lutah Maria Riggs
Montecito animal activist Gretchen Lieff, founder and president of the Lutah Maria Riggs Society, has been appointed a member of the county’s Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission. The organization was created in 1965 to promote the preservation of historic buildings and structures. “The county has such a rich history of architectural protection and preservation,” says Gretchen. […]
Ganna Walska Lotusland recently collaborated with the Lutah Maria Riggs Society for a screening at the Lobero of the award-winning documentary film, Lutah—A Passion for Architecture: A Life in Design. There was a patrons’ reception in the tent prior to the filming. As Lotusland executive director Rebecca Anderson said, “When we dig into the Lotusland […]
After premiering at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2014, the documentary Lutah – A Passion For Architecture: A Life In Design aired at the Lobero, fittingly a building she conceived, to raise funds for a George Washington Smith pavilion restoration project at Lotusland, the 37-acre Montecito botanical garden owned by opera star Ganna […]
Ganna Walska Lotusland and the Lutah Maria Riggs Society are collaborating to screen the award-winning documentary, Lutah – A Passion for Architecture: A Life in Design, this Saturday, November 20, at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Lutah Maria Riggs is an integral part of Santa Barbara architectural history. Lotusland’s archives contain several drawings by […]
At the intersection of Stanwood Drive and Sycamore Canyon Road, a memorial fountain approaches its 100th year. Known as Jack’s Trough or Courtney Fountain, it was designed in 1925 by Lutah Maria Riggs of the George Washington Smith architectural firm for thrice-married Marguerite Doe. Known as the “Million Dollar Heiress” in her hometown of San […]
Santa Barbara winemaker Doug Margerum has certainly got something to smile about during these gloomy times. Wine Enthusiast Magazine has recognized his Margerum M5 white Rhône blend, Margerum Esate Vineyard, Los Olivos district, as a top 100 wine of the year, ranking it at number 30. The publication’s global team of editors and tasters cumulatively […]
Former U.S. ambassador to Austria Susan McCaw, ex-wife of cell phone billionaire Craig McCaw, has paid $9.5 million, a hefty $2 million over the asking price, for the Erdman House, designed in 1959 by noted architect Lutah Maria Riggs. Nearly 9,000 square feet, on four eucalyptus and pine tree studded acres, the sublimely preserved midcentury […]
On the subject of real estate, a 1930s Gilded Age Hot Springs Road property designed by Lutah Maria Riggs, the first licensed female architect in our Eden by the Beach, is being auctioned off. The impressive residence is set to sell without reserve to the highest bidder via leading global firm Concierge Auctions. Previously offered […]
Puppy Love I want to clarify any confusion the “Lutah” article may have generated by confirming that my dear border collie siblings, Alamo, Creek and Ranch, who were named after the ranch I own, no longer live with me. It is true that I have been denied all access to the babies that I raised […]
Cover Story Correction I have to respond to the cover story of January 2, 2020, “LUTAH WHO?” Better fact-checking would have revealed that I purchased Los Suenos in 2003 and I continue to own Los Suenos with my wife, Susan, and we live there with our Border Collies Alamo, Creek, and Ranch. I found out […]
Enough is Enough Conversation following Mt. Carmel’s school Christmas program, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Carpinteria, should have been about the adorable children and plans for the holidays. Instead, it instantly moved to concern about the near contact-high adults and children alike were experiencing that night in the Church. The odor of cannabis in […]
The life and accomplishments of one of the most influential but least known Santa Barbara architects will be celebrated at the Lobero Theatre on January 5. LUTAH A Passion for Architecture: A Life of Design tells the story of Lutah Maria Riggs (1896-1984), a protégé of famed architect George Washington Smith, who, among other landmark local buildings […]
The Santa Barbara Public Library is celebrating and recognizing Women in History Month, March 2019. Heading off the program is their March 8 (Carpinteria branch) and March 10 (downtown Santa Barbara branch) free event titled, Women Who Defied The Odds,featuring the stories of six women in U.S. history portrayed by actors from Santa Barbara’s Drama […]
Six years after its world premiere at the Lobero, the theater she designed, animal activist Gretchen Lieff‘s award-winning documentary on Santa Barbara architect Lutah Maria Riggs, had a sold-out reprise showing as gale-force winds blew. Having attended the first event – I am even mentioned in the credits – it was nice to see such […]
Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) holds a design awards holiday gala. This year we gathered in the cozy atmosphere of the University Club for cocktails, dinner, and awards. Robert Ooley FAIA (Fellow) will be president of AIA for the next year. He told us, “Our chapter turns ninety this year and is […]
