Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

Celebrating 137 Years in University Heights!

Officially subdivided on August 6, 1888, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and home to the former Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, San Diego Silk Mill, Adams Avenue Carbarn, the first reservoir for the city’s municipal water system, and the San Diego Normal School, forerunner to San Diego State University.

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Education, Historic Preservation Kristin Harms Education, Historic Preservation Kristin Harms

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.

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Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

Happy 136th Birthday, University Heights!

Officially subdivided on August 6, 1888, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and home to the former Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, San Diego Silk Mill, Adams Avenue Carbarn, the first reservoir for the city’s municipal water system, and the San Diego Normal School, forerunner to San Diego State University.

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Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

New Memoir of Mission Cliff Gardens

The University Heights Historical Society is delighted to offer a new booklet, Mission Cliff Gardens, A Memoir, by Carole Bryant, great-granddaughter of John Davidson who was the superintendent of Mission Cliff Gardens in University Heights.

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Kristin Harms Kristin Harms

Celebrate the History of University Heights!

Celebrate National Preservation Month by learning more about our historic community, founded in 1888. Take a guided or self-guided walking tour, have your home's historic architecture evaluated, buy an ostrich house plaque, learn more about John Spreckels, or just read about the early history of University Heights!

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Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

George A. d’Hemecourt: The Man Behind the Map

It’s a name you have probably seen before but can’t quite remember where. Civil Engineer George (G.A.) d’Hemecourt is immortalized on the grant deeds and parcel maps of approximately 6,200 properties in University Heights, typically as “UNIVERSITY HTS. D’HEMECOURT MAP AMENDED (MAP 558).”

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Kristin Harms Kristin Harms

The Mills Act and Historic Designation

Owners of older homes in University Heights may wonder if their property qualifies for a property tax reduction through the Mills Act. In order to qualify for the Mills Act, your property must be a designated historical resource listed on the City of San Diego Register.

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Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

Celebrating 135 Years in University Heights!

At 135 years old, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and home to the former Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, San Diego Silk Mill, Adams Avenue Carbarn, the first reservoir for the city’s municipal water system, and the San Diego Normal School, forerunner to San Diego State University.

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Kristin Harms Kristin Harms

The Ever-Changing Boundaries of University Heights

One of the hottest ongoing debates in University Heights is our geographic boundaries. The boundaries of University Heights vary, depending on which map you consult. Check out our new map of University Heights subdivisions.

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Historic Preservation, Education Kristin Harms Historic Preservation, Education Kristin Harms

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.

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