Frequently Asked Questions

  • Founded in 1888, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest communities and home to the original site of San Diego State University, Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, the San Diego Silk Mill, and much more. Click here for more information.

  • The University Heights Historical Society was established in 1997 by the University Heights Community Development Corporation (UHCDC) to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.

  • There are several landmarks to visit in University Heights which have been historically designated through the efforts of the University Heights Historical Society, including the Teachers Training Annex 1, Mission Cliff Gardens cobblestone wall & lily‑pond wall, former entrance gate to the Bentley Ostrich Farm & old trolley‑stop drinking fountain, former Adams Avenue carbarn site (now Trolley Barn Park). Click here for more information.

  • Yes, there are four historic districts in University Heights comprising 159 homes: Melhorn and Son Historic District, Spalding Place Historic District, Shirley Ann Place Historic District, and Valle Vista Terrace Historic District. Click here for more information.

  • Please visit our Support Us page or mail your check to the University Heights Historical Society at  P.O. Box 3115, San Diego, CA 92163.

  • The University Heights Historical Society offers several resources to research the history of your home, including a comprehensive description of How To Research Your Home and an online Guide to Researching and Historically Designating Your Property,

  • The University Heights Historical Society successfully nominated the following landmarks to the local San Diego register in the 1990s:

    • The Teachers Training Annex 1

    • Former site of Adams Avenue Trolley Carbarn, today’s Trolley Barn Park

    • The former entrance to Mission Cliff Gardens on Adams Avenue at the end of North Avenue, including the redwood gate, and some of the palm trees.

    • The cobblestone wall that runs along Adams Avenue from Park Boulevard west to the dead end.

    • The cobblestone wall surrounding the former lily pond on Mission Cliff Drive at North Court.

    • The former entrance to the Ostrich Farm at Park and Adams, including the redwood gate and the cobblestone piers.

    • The cobblestone remains of a drinking fountain, which was once part of an ornate waiting station for the Number 11 trolley.

    Most recently in 2026, the University Heights Historical Society led an initiative to make it easier and less expensive for owners of bungalow courts to nominate their property to the National Register of Historic Places.