The Sunken Garden is host to community-wide celebrations all year long. What is often mistaken about this magical place is its layout of stone walls—many are told it is the basement of the former courthouse prior to the 1925 earthquake. This is myth. The sandstone blocks that form the current day landscape were recycled from the older courthouse buildings after the 1925 earthquake.
Historic Structures Report
Projects to restore and preserve the Courthouse must have a hierarchy of need. The Santa Barbara Courthouse Legacy Foundation recently raised $80,000 to have the Architectural Resources Group complete a comprehensive 'Historic Structures Report'. The HSR acts as a guide by presenting a comprehensive listing of identified restoration and preservation projects.