History
Before becoming the Pardall Center, the building served many roles in Isla Vista. Originally built as a residence, it later became a Chinese restaurant, a coffee shop, and a print shop. For more than a decade, it remained as such before being offered to Associated Students of UCSB as a potential space.
The second floor was then converted into an office for the Legal Resource Center and Isla Vista Tenants Union in 2007. Associated Students later realized the potential of the ground floor as a community center, and in 2013, the Pardall Center opened for the IV community to use. In 2015, students voted to continue to fund the Pardall Center’s ongoing operations through student fees.
Since then, the Pardall Center has grown into a hub of resources, events, and community connections in the heart of Isla Vista. It continues to be sustained by student commitment and community engagement.
Fun Facts
- Interest in a Community Center for IV began in 1977
- In 2012, the Isla Vista Redevelopment Agency responded to the community’s demands and successfully fought to acquire two buildings at the heart of IV.
- In 2014, a free legal resource program was implemented and launched by the Legal Resource Center and the Isla Vista Tenants’ Union.
