History
The Carrillo Recreation Center opened in 1914 as part of a non-profit called the Neighborhood House Association serving as a community center for Santa Barbara with an emphasis on services for youth and women. The building was constructed in the Craftsman Prairie style of architecture popular in Chicago. Headed by Margaret Baylor, the complex included the main recreation center, a gymnasium and the Margaret Baylor Inn - a hotel for single women. The gymnasium and inn, as well as an addition to the Carrillo Recreation Center, were designed by famed architect Julia Morgan (who designed Hearst Castle among many other structures). After the Santa Barbara earthquake of 1925, the Carrillo Recreation Center's wood frame construction was still stable while much of downtown Santa Barbara was damaged or destroyed; the facility temporarily became home to pharmacies, banks and many other critical services. It has seved for over 100 years as a vital community resource.
Specialties
This recently renovated historic landmark facility located in the heart of Santa Barbara can accommodate 12 to 550 guests for event rentals. Its Grand Ballroom is the perfect site for a large special event, non-profit fundraiser or wedding reception. The smaller rooms are well equipped and can accommodate corporate meetings, team building sessions, or a small private event or retreat. The center also offers a wide variety of dance and fitness classes including one of the largest Zumba classes in the county, ballroom dance lessons with a world champion instructor, swing dance, ballet, 2-step, hula, martial arts and many other offerings.