SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is pleased to announce that at its February 6, 2026 meeting, the California State Historical Resources Commission voted to add Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, along with the adjacent Chung family house associated with the property, to the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). The National Register is the official list of the Nation’s cultural resources worthy of recognition and preservation. The nomination marks an important milestone in recognizing the cultural and historic significance of this beloved local landmark.
Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens has long held a special place in Santa Barbara’s history. SBTHP purchased Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens and the adjacent Chung residence in 2007, citing the property’s immense cultural value. California State Parks acquired the restaurant portion of the property from SBTHP in 2014 and added it to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, which is operated by SBTHP. In 2018, the City of Santa Barbara further acknowledged the site’s importance by awarding the building Structure of Merit status.
The building reflects the layered stories of the Presidio Neighborhood, including its long-standing connections to Chinese and other Asian American communities that have shaped thearea for more than a century. The nomination covers both the former restaurant building andthe associated residence, which remains under the ownership of SBTHP.
The National Register nomination was written by Heidi Reidel, Associate Planner for the Cityof Santa Barbara, whose leadership and research were instrumental in documenting the site’shistory and significance. This project represents a meaningful partnership among the City ofSanta Barbara, SBTHP, and California State Parks. “Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens and the ChungFamily Home are the only remaining buildings from Santa Barbara’s historic Chinatown andthe Jimmy’s building is the only visual representation of Chinese heritage in the area,” saidReidel. The nomination process required a lot of work and research, but I felt honored to be apart of protecting these important buildings and it was incredible to learn how well-documented and well-loved Jimmy’s legacy is here in Santa Barbara. His family’s journey and the impact he left on the community is indicative of the contributions of immigrants to America and the way that complex and layered histories should be celebrated, rather than marginalized,” said Reidel.
SBTHP supported the nomination by sharing research, plans, and images. Additional support came from California State Parks, who as the owners of the property, championed the National Register nomination. “The nomination of Jimmy’s to the National Register reflects the strength of our partnership with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and the City of Santa Barbara. This effort elevates the diverse histories embedded within El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park and underscores the importance of telling a fuller, more inclusive story of California’s past,” said Dena Bellman, District Superintendent for California State Parks.