A nationally renowned designer will soon be opening a new retail store in downtown Santa Barbara. Tracy Porter designs and sells women’s clothing, home décor, furnishings and jewelry. The 2,047 sf space at 1100 State Street was previously occupied by Blue Bee Luxury. Michael Martz and Kristopher Roth of Hayes Commercial Group represented Tracy Porter in the lease.

There have been 26 retail leases in 2010 on State Street downtown, a 44% increase compared to the same period in 2009. “We are definitely seeing more leasing activity downtown, and Tracy Porter’s move is evidence of that,” Kristopher Roth said of the deal. “Good quality spaces are receiving multiple offers, and the market is more robust than it was a year ago.”