More University Heights History on Auction

4663 Campus Avenue and 4655 Campus Avenue. Source: University Heights Historical Society.

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.

Under the CCHS program, these two adjacent parcels could be combined into one lot and redeveloped as one building with at least 8 stories, 100 units, and no parking.

Both properties are identified in the 2016 Uptown Historic Survey as Potential Individual Resources and individually eligible for local listing or designation. Architectural Historian Ginger Weatherford, MPS, a volunteer with the University Heights Historical Society, further assessed the architecture of both properties and concluded that both appear eligible for individual historic designation under Criterion C – Architecture.

The home at 4655 Campus Avenue may also be associated with the Normal School, built in 1898. Situated at the edge of a canyon, both properties are also located in the City’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

The University Heights Historical Society sent a letter and the architectural assessments to the owner of both properties in 2024, recommending that they be preserved and units added behind. Current zoning allows the construction of up to 5 units behind each property.

This option would add “gentle density” to our neighborhood while helping to preserve our history. It could also provide an opportunity for at least two buyers to own a home and build equity rather than rent a small, overpriced apartment.