Cottage Health Proposes Medical Facility in Former Buellton Theater

The healthcare provider aims to transform the vacant Parks Plaza Theater into a modern medical center, sparking debate over traffic concerns.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:23am

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Cottage Health has proposed converting the long-vacant Parks Plaza Theater in Buellton, California, into a new medical facility. The two-story, 31,431-square-foot building would offer a range of medical services, including doctors' offices, a lab, and cardiac rehabilitation. The proposal comes after a previous plan for an In-N-Out Burger at the site was rejected due to traffic concerns. While some residents welcome the prospect of a local healthcare option, others worry the new facility could exacerbate congestion issues in the area.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of the former theater site has been a topic of discussion in Buellton for years, with the community grappling to balance economic development and quality of life. The Cottage Health proposal represents a shift from a commercial venture to a medical facility, which could address a community need for accessible healthcare. However, the potential traffic impacts remain a central concern for residents.

The details

Cottage Health's proposal calls for a two-story, 31,431-square-foot medical facility that would incorporate an agrarian architectural style with modern elements, including extensive use of glass to maximize natural light. The plans include 121 parking spaces, with a combination of surface parking and spaces located beneath the first floor. The design aims to balance natural light with the need for patient privacy through features like overhangs and specialized window glazing.

  • The Parks Plaza Theater has remained vacant since it permanently closed around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Earlier this year, a proposal for an In-N-Out Burger restaurant at the site was initially approved by the Planning Commission but later overturned by the city council due to concerns over increased traffic.
  • The Cottage Health proposal is currently under review by the city, with a public hearing scheduled for February 19, 2026, during the Buellton Planning Commission meeting.

The players

Cottage Health

A healthcare provider that has proposed transforming the former Parks Plaza Theater into a modern medical facility.

Janene Harris

A long-time Buellton resident who expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of a local medical facility.

Mary Atkinson

A Buellton resident of 26 years who voiced concerns about potential traffic impacts from the proposed medical facility.

Andrea Keefe

Buellton's Planning and Development Director, who confirmed the project is undergoing a thorough review process to address traffic concerns.

Heidi Jones

A representative from Meraki Land Use Consulting, who is involved with the Cottage Health project and emphasized the importance of balancing natural light with patient privacy in the facility's design.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Janene Harris, Buellton resident

“There's a lot of traffic in this town.”

— Mary Atkinson, Buellton resident

“City planning commission staff say the new proposal is under review with requirements for traffic studies along with design, parking and circulation analysis. To ensure that traffic with this particular use would not significantly impact our city's roadways and traffic.”

— Andrea Keefe, Buellton Planning and Development Director

“There's something about natural light that brings warmth. The design incorporates overhangs and specialized window glazing to control sunlight and maintain patient confidentiality.”

— Heidi Jones, Meraki Land Use Consulting

What’s next

The Cottage Health proposal will be the subject of a public hearing on February 19, 2026, during the Buellton Planning Commission meeting, providing residents with an opportunity to share their feedback and concerns.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the former Parks Plaza Theater site in Buellton highlights the community's ongoing efforts to balance economic development and quality of life. The shift from a commercial venture to a medical facility proposal by Cottage Health represents a potential solution to address local healthcare needs, but the project's success will depend on effectively mitigating traffic concerns that have plagued previous development plans.