Downtown Santa Ana: Artists Village

The Santa Ana Artists Village is an approximate 10-block area located in downtown. It is a unique artsy part of Santa Ana that is full of art galleries, restaurants, and loft style housing for people interested in an urban lifestyle. It is a radical cultural shift from the Fourth Street Historic Area discussed in my earlier blog.

Santora Building -- 207 N. Broadway, Santa Ana

In my opinion, the Santora building is the architectural centerpiece of the arts district. This building holds galleries and related retail.

Santora Building

Cal State Fullerton's Grand Central Art Center should be considered the geographic epicenter of the Artists Village. In 1994, the City of Santa Ana purchased this building, renovated it, and forged a partnership with Cal State Fullerton. This development sparked a cultural and economic renewal in the area. Many Graduate level arts students actually live and study at this facility. The Gypsy Den is a popular local eatery situated inside the art center. There is also an outside dining area.

Grand Central Arts Building -- 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana

The Second Street Promenade runs along the Grand Central Art Center and is closed to traffic. This Georgian styled building sits on the promenade across from the Art Center.

207 W. Second St., Santa Ana

It is currently under renovation, a good sign that investors are still interested in the area.

207 W. Second -- Under Renovation

The Pacific Building is another historic building that holds restaurants and other businesses.

Pacific Building -- 225 N. Broadway

Here is the outside seating area for Chapter One restaurant. The menu looks pretty tasty.

Pacific Building

Here is the Builder's Exchange Building.

Builder's Exchange Building -- 200 N. Main St.

There are some interesting architectural details around this building.

Builder's Exchange Building

The old Santa Ana City Hall is a beautiful old civic building which is currently occupied by the advertising firm DGWB.

Old Santa Ana City Hall -- 217 N. Main St.

The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art established its home in the village.

Orange County Center for Contemporary Art -- 117 N. Sycamore St.

Here is a shot of the interior.

Orange County Center for Contemporary Art

The Dr. Horton Building sits on the edge of the Artists Village. A new restaurant just opened there, but I have not been able to find much information on it.

Dr. Horton Building -- 315 W. Third

Here is a contemporary apartment building adjacent to the Grand Central Art Center, called the Court at Artists Village.

The Court at Artists Village -- 300 W. Second St.

Here is another shot.


The Court at Artist Village

Pictured below is a sample of market rate loft housing available in the village. I have been researching real estate trends and there is definitely more market rate loft style housing on the horizon. Potential residents really are urban pioneers in a county where the single family suburban house is king.

Santa Ana Lofts

The Artists Village is a unique urban area for Orange County Standards. It definitely appears that the village has been a catalyst for urban revitalization for the rest of downtown. Overall, the area is certainly on the rise. I hope you enjoyed this quick survey of the Artists Village.