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.
New Banners Honor History of San Diego Streetcars
With the installation of the new streetcar banners on Park Blvd. and Adams Avenue by the University Heights Community Development Corporation, this is a good time to reflect on the importance of the trolley lines in the early development of 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.
Presentation on The Early History of University Heights: 1887 to 1955
Kristin Harms with the University Heights Historical Society will discuss the people and events that shaped the early development of University Heights at the next University Heights Community Association meeting on February 6 at 7 pm.
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.
New Historic Designations in University Heights
The City of San Diego Historic Resources Board designated two more homes in University Heights in September and October.
Collective Action Brings Justice for Historic Resource
Thanks to the quick action of neighbors and the City of San Diego, the owner of a historically designated home on Louisiana Street will be held accountable for modifying the exterior of the home without a permit.
Help Fund Another Historic Marker in Trolley Barn Park!
The University Heights Historical Society needs your help reaching our goal of $3,000 by September 13 for a fourth historic marker in Trolley Barn Park, 1943 Adams Avenue in University Heights.
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.
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.
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!
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).”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.