Founded in 1972, the Isla
Vista Food Cooperative is the only natural and organic foods consumer cooperative in Santa
Barbara County. Though a mainstay in the
community, the Co-op was often be ignored by pedestrians, not realizing what
lay behind its inconspicuous storefront.
These
low cost façade improvements give the Co-op a more visible and recognizable
street presence with new wood cladding, signage, bicycle parking, permeable
paving and an outdoor dining patio that incorporates miniature fruit trees and
eatable herb plantings, all inspired by the cooperative’s hippie roots and
ongoing mission to promote a healthier lifestyle and environment.