The original building, located on the corner of Cota St and Milpas St., was designed by the architectural firm of William H.Weeks of San Francisco, a prolific school building architect who had also designed La Cumbre Junior High School and consulted on Santa Barbara High's design. The bond for the new SBJHS passed four months after the October 1929 stock market crash. Between that date and when the school opened 2-1/2 years later, the U. S. was plunging into the Great Depression and the economy experienced deflation of approximately one-third. The real value of the bonds thus increased and the aesthetic appearance and functional utility of the school improved. With many talented artisans otherwise out of work during the Great Depression, the school was a huge beneficiary of the economic downturn .
Classes began in 1932 after the construction was completed.
Classes began in 1932 after the construction was completed.