The Big Picture: Historic Districts Outperform the City on Density, Affordability, and Sustainability
With the release of the comprehensive report by PlaceEconomics, The Urban Vitality Blueprint: A Data-Driven Analysis of Equity, Affordability, and Vitality in San Diego’s Historic Districts, San Diego now has the clearest, most comprehensive data ever produced on the real economic and social impacts of historic preservation.
San Diego Bungalow Courts May Qualify for the National Register
Thanks to a decision made on May 7 by the California State Historic Resources Commission, it is now easier and less expensive for owners of bungalow courts in San Diego to nominate their property to the National Register of Historic Places.
Board of Trustees Approves 1,500 Units on Brucker Site
On January 26, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board of Education unanimously approved the construction of 1,500 workforce housing units of the Brucker site at 4100 Normal Street.
More University Heights History on Auction
Two more potentially historic, single-family homes at 4655 and 4663 Campus Avenue have been listed for sale with a commercial broker and touted as “Exceptional Development Potential” under the Complete Communities Housing Solutions (CCHS) Program.
What Future Do We Want for University Heights?
Infill development over the last 50-plus years has generally replaced older housing stock with multi-family housing units, gradually unraveling the historic fabric of University Heights.
Our community is now facing even more losses of older properties as the City incentivizes infill development in San Diego’s “first-ring” neighborhoods, including University Heights.
The Enduring Appeal of Bungalow Courts
University Heights is fortunate to be home to 70 bungalow courts built between 1920 and 1950. They were (and still are) very popular among renters for providing a home-like setting without the maintenance responsibilities. They also offer greater privacy and independence than apartment buildings as well as a sense of community since units face a shared common area.
2024 Year in Review
Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society continued to fulfill its mission in 2024 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.
Protecting Our Historic Resources
Established in 1888, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and is fortunate to have many homes and landmarks dating to its early development. Most of the remaining landmarks and some of the historic homes in University Heights are protected from demolition or inappropriate alteration by historic designation.
2023 Year in Review University Heights Historical Society
Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society has continued to fulfill its mission in 2023 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.
University Heights Historical Society 2023 Mid-Year Update
Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society has continued to fulfill its mission in 2023 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.
Torrey Apartments in University Heights Historically Designated
At its June meeting, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board historically designated the Torrey Apartments at 4260 Campus Avenue.
University Heights Architectural Styles: Spanish Colonial
University Heights has many older homes, including over 170 that are historically designated, representing a wide variety of architectural styles from Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Contemporary, Victorian, and Queen Anne Free Classic to Mission Revival. This article explores the architectural features that define the Spanish Colonial architectural style, one of the more common styles in University Heights.
University Heights Architectural Styles: Craftsman
University Heights has many older homes, including over 170 that are historically designated, representing a wide variety of architectural styles from Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Contemporary, Victorian, and Queen Anne Free Classic to Mission Revival. This article explores the architectural features that define the Craftsman architectural style, one of the most common styles in University Heights.
Historic Architectural Assessment of Your Older Home or Property
Wondering if your older home qualifies for up to 50% property tax reduction through the Mills Act? Properties must be historically designated properties in order to qualify for the Mills Act. The University Heights Historical Society can help owners of older properties decide if their home may be potentially eligible for historic designation.
2022 University Heights Historical Society Progress Report
Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society has continued to fulfill its mission in 2022 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.
Historic Homes of University Heights: Jennie Alberta Wales House
This beautiful Queen Anne Free Classic style home at 1086 Hayes Avenue in University Heights built in 1908 was historically designated by the City of San Diego Historic Resources Board on May 26, 2022.
New Historic Markers Commemorate Early History of University Heights
Three new historic markers were installed on May 18th by the University Heights Historical Society with a grant from the County of San Diego, and in partnership with the City of San Diego, the University Heights Community Development Corporation, and the University Heights Maintenance Assessment District.
History Uncovered on Park Boulevard in University Heights
A little bit of University Heights history was uncovered in early April when an old hand-painted sign for “Johnston’s Variety Department Store” was revealed under the sign for the former Small Bar at 4628 Park Blvd.
Repairing and Restoring Wood Windows
Save our Heritage Organisation is launching a free video tutorial series on Restoration Projects for the Historic Home Owner. Watch this first, step by step video on how to repair and restore your old wood window.
Free Webinars on Researching and Designating Your Historic Home
The University Heights Historical Society will host two free webinars in March about how to research and submit a nomination to historically designate your home, presented by historic preservation experts Amie Hayes with SOHO, and Doug Mengers with PanGIS.