New! Updated Map of Bungalow Courts in University Heights
The University Heights Historical Society has been working with City of San Diego Historic Preservation Planning staff and Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) since 2015 to identify bungalow courts throughout University Heights, and to include them in the Historic Preservation Elements of both the North Park and Uptown Community Plans. Please click below to view our updated interactive map of close to 80 bungalow courts throughout University Heights.
Bungalow courts are important not only because they represent a finite collection of historic resources, but also because they are San Diego’s original affordable housing located near to transit lines.
Bungalow courts were developed throughout Southern California, including San Diego, primarily from 1920 to 1950 to offer residents an attractive, affordable cottage with its own yard, a central courtyard, and neighborly orientation. Bungalow courts in come in many architectural styles but the most common style in San Diego is Spanish and Craftsman. However, examples of Egyptian, Mission Revival, Pueblo, Moorish Revival, Deco/Moderne, and 1950s modern styles may also be found in San Diego.
The rise of inexpensive and widespread public transportation in the early 1900s, in the form of streetcar or trolley lines, facilitated and promoted the development of courts, providing housing and transportation for employees in a rapidly changing workplace. In San Diego and throughout Southern California, the majority of bungalow courts were built along streetcar lines.
In 1988, Save Our Heritage Organisation created the map below of bungalow courts throughout San Diego. As you can see, most are located in the University Heights and North Park areas.
The University Heights Historical Society will continue working with City staff and SOHO to identify and catalogue this historic, finite collection of affordable housing units and make sure they are accurately represented in the North Park and Uptown Community Plans.
Source: A Tour of Selected Bungalow Courts, Save our Heritage Organisation