History

The Edward Alexander House (circ. 1906)

In January of 1939 Mrs. Henrietta Alexander, upon her husband’s death, offered the house that has now become known as Alexander Gardens to a committee that was recently established to provide housing for the elderly. In August of 1939, the house was transferred by Mrs. Alexander to the Santa Barbara Association for Old Age Care, Inc. It has continued as a place for elderly care since that time.

Architecturally, this house is an interesting combination of Mission Revival elements within a basically Craftsman framework. The stucco siding and bulls-eye windows are examples of the Mission style. The low pitched gable roof emphasized horizontally and infill pergola exemplifies the Craftsman style. This building was designed by prominent early 20th century architect, Francis W. Wilson in 1906. Mr. Wilson also designed the Santa Barbara Post Office (now the Museum of Art) and the Santa Barbara Public Library building.

The projecting roof is supported by heavy brackets. The fenestration basically consists of casement windows with many small panes. The windows are outlined with red brick. There are two wheel windows accentuated by red brick in the each front gable. The front porch has brick pillars which support redwood and shrubs as well as the well-kept lawn. Sandstone steps and wrought iron gates make a lovely entrance which leads to an unusual path. There is a sandstone wall and hedge surrounding the property.