Cottage Health Plans Medical Facility for Former Buellton Theater Site
Buellton, California, is poised for a significant shift in its commercial landscape as Cottage Health proposes transforming the long-vacant Parks Plaza Theater into a modern medical facility. The proposal, currently under city review, marks the latest attempt to revitalize the McMurray Road site, which has remained empty since the theater permanently closed around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Buellton Planning Commission conducted a conceptual review of Cottage Health’s plans to redevelop 515 McMurray Road into a modern medical office facility, and expressed support for the project’s potential to enhance local healthcare services. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. During the Buellton Planning Commission meeting, where residents can share their views KSBY.
From Film to Healthcare: A History of the Site
The former Parks Plaza Theater has been vacant since closing permanently around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Santa Maria Times. Prior to Cottage Health’s proposal, the site was considered for other developments, including a fast-food restaurant.
An In-N-Out Burger project was initially approved by the planning commission with a 3-to-2 vote, but the decision was appealed to the city council and ultimately overturned due to concerns over increased traffic News Directory 3.
Proposed Facility Details
Cottage Health’s proposal envisions a two-story, 31,431-square-foot medical facility situated on a 1.48-acre parcel between McDonald’s and the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel, near Highway 101 Santa Maria Times.
The design incorporates an agrarian architectural style with modern elements, including a glass exterior to maximize natural light and features such as overhangs and window glazing to ensure patient privacy. Plans include surface parking beneath the first floor, accommodating 121 parking spaces Santa Maria Times.
Whereas, the proposed medical facility is planned to be 43 feet tall, exceeding the site’s 35-foot building height limit Santa Maria Sun.
Community Response
Some Buellton residents have expressed support for the potential benefits of a local medical facility. Janene Harris stated, “I’m going to be in one of those health care centers, I imagine, in my time. It would be nice to be local right here in Buellton and somewhere close” KSBY.
Others, like Mary Atkinson, have voiced concerns about potential traffic impacts, noting, “There’s a lot of traffic in this town” KSBY.
City planning commission staff are currently reviewing the proposal, with requirements for traffic studies, along with design, parking, and circulation analysis to assess potential impacts KSBY.
Cottage Health was unavailable for comment KSBY.