Willemsen Property: Buellton Library / Children's Museum / Hundred Hills School
In 2020, the City of Buellton acquired the former home and remaining agricultural property (about 24 acres total) of Jake and Jeannette Willemsen. The Willemsens owned and operated a large dairy farm over much of what is now the western portion of the City of Buellton.
The property acquired by the City includes the Willemsen's home, a large dairy barn, and several smaller structures on about 4 acres of property at 202 Dairyland Drive. To the south of this site, within the flood plain of the Santa Ynez River, are 20 ares of former farmland adjacent to, and accessible from, River View Park.
In late 2020 through 2021, the City Council undertook a public outreach effort to take input from the Buellton residents on desired future uses. A series of open house events and meetings at the property were conducted and considerable input was gathered from residents in the immediate neighborhood as well as the community at large.
To date, the City Council has considered suggestions and requests for use of various parts of the property. Meetings have been held and decisions have been made regarding some of these uses. For instance, the City Council entered into a license agreement for use of about 1.25 acres of land on the lower (20 acre) portion, to allow the operation of a horseback riding business. This business has been operating since late 2021. Some uses have been conceptually approved, but formal plans have not yet been approved, such as the Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum on the area just east of the barn, and the Buellton Public Library in a portion of the Willemsen house. Some portions of the site, such as the barn, have not yet been approved for long-term use at this point, and are still under consideration.
This project page will be the location to visit for updates on discussions and decisions regarding this property, and to provide your input as these discussions move forward.
Stay Informed
Get notified on upcoming engagements and the latest project related news.
Journey to Public Use of the Property
City Purchases Willemsen Property
Uses of Property Considered
Architect Prepares Initial Design of WIllemsen House for Public Use
Project Updates
Town Hall Meeting for Hundred Hills School proposal - June 23, 6:00pm @ Library Community Room
Town Hall Meeting on Hundred Hills School
Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative Declaration Approved by City Council
23-MND-01 is approved and filed with the Santa Barbara County Clerk of the Board
Willemsen Addition Environmental Document Available
Environmental Document Available for Comment
Important Dates
City Purchases Willemsen Property for Two Million Dollars
The City contacted the owners of the property in early April with an interest in purchasing the "lower" 20 acres, adjacent to the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. However, the Willemsen's desire was to sell the property as a single transaction. A subsequent appraisal showed that the then-current sale price was near the appraised fair market value, allowing the City to make an offer, which was accepted by the family.
City Council approves license agreement with SYV Horseback Rides
SYV Horseback Rides commences operations on site
City Council selects design scheme for use of Willemsen House
After consideration of several design concepts, the City Council selected a design scheme for the architect to use in the design of the project. This "Community Center" concept identifies the majority of the space within the building for use as a new location of the Buellton Public Library, and includes several large community meeting rooms. These rooms will be able to be utilized for library programs, Buellton Recreation programs, or rented to community groups or individuals for private use. For further information on this project, please see https://buellton.civilspace.io/en/admin/projects/buellton-community-center-at-willemsen-property
City Council approves proposed design for Library
Following direction by the City Council, the architect developed a new floor plan design and several renderings illustrating buildout of the design. The City Council reviewed the plan at the September 22 City Council meeting, and approved the plan and directed the architect to proceed to develop construction documents.
City Council reviews budget for Library conversion
On January 12, 2023, the City Council reviewed the draft (90%) plans for the improvements required for the conversion of the Willemsen Residence to the Buellton Public Library. Along with the plans were an estimate of costs associated with the conversion. Given the higher-than-expected costs presented in the estimate, the City Council directed staff to review possible cost-saving measures and return to the City Council with options for reducing the construction costs for the project.
Staff anticipates returning to the City Council in February with options for the City Council to consider.
Building Renovation for new Library Building to begin
On January 16, 2024, construction is slated to begin on the former Willemsen house, in order to renovate and reinforce the building to allow for its use as the Buellton Public Library. Construction activities will largely take place indoors, and will adhere to the construction hours as identified in the Buellton Municipal Code. Construction activities are anticipated to be completed near the end of April.
New Buellton Public Library to open!
The new Buellton Public Library will open on February 8, 2025. A Grand Opening celebration will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Activities for kids will be offered both inside and outside the library facility. Come out and have some fun, get a library card (if you don't already have one), and see one of the most beautiful small-town libraries you will ever visit.
Planning Commission Preliminary Review of the SYV Children's Museum
The Planning Commission reviewed updated plans for the Children's Museum and gave feedback on the proposals.