North Park Historic Resources

Historic Associations

North Park Historical Society (NPHS)

The primary purpose of the North Park Historical Society is to conduct research and educational outreach in order to preserve North Park's cultural and architectural history. The North Park Historical Society was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in March 2008, transitioning from its original status as the North Park Community Association History Committee, which was established in 1988. The NPHS conducts residential and commercial Historical Walking Tours; is working with City staff to achieve designation of the Dryden District as a Historic District; and conducts extensive research and documentation of North Park’s history (including taping of long term North Park resident oral histories). The NPHS won an Award of Excellence for History from the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board for publication in 2007 of a highly reputed book on North Park's first 50 years – “North Park: A San Diego Urban Village, 1896-1946” by the late historian Donald Covington. This keepsake coffee table book has more than 90 historical photographs and is available at many locations throughout North Park and at major San Diego bookstores. NPHS also publishes calendars featuring current photos of North Park homes and landmarks, author’s articles about North Park history for their website that also have been published in the North Park News, and is in the process of establishing an on-line "virtual library" of building permit data and other information.

The NPHS generally meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm at the Masonic Lodge at the corner of Utah Street and North Park Way.
www.northparkhistory.org

San Diego Historic Resources Board (HRB)

The Historical Resources Board (HRB) oversees the City of San Diego’s efforts to identify historic properties that represent the diverse cultural, educational, social, economic, political, architectural, and archaeological history of San Diego. The Board consists of 11 volunteer members who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The members of the Board have demonstrated special interest and knowledge or expertise in fields related to historic preservation and includes at least one member from each of the following professions: architecture, history, architectural history, archaeology, and landscape architecture. Other members may have experience in law, real estate, engineering, general contracting, finance, planning or fine arts and reflect diverse neighborhood representation. North Park is currently represented by Salvador Arechiga, a North Park resident and LEED certified architect, and a member of the North Park Planning Committee. The City has been awarded the status of a "Certified Local Government" by the State of California, enabling the City's staff and Historical Resources Board to evaluate the historical value of resources and the potential impact of development on those resources, including proposals affecting National Register designated sites.
www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical

Historic Districts and Landmarks

Existing North Park Historic Districts

  • Burlingame Historic District

The Burlingame "Tract of Character" was established by early North Park developers Joseph McFadden and George Buxton in 1912. The Historic District that encompasses this unique neighborhood with rose colored sidewalks and individually designed homes was initially designated as a "Voluntary" District, and was formally approved as a Traditional Historic District in 2009.

  • Shirley Ann Place Historic District

The Shirley Ann Place Historic District is a small block located in University Heights bounded by Texas Street, Shirley Ann Place, Madison and Monroe.

Proposed North Park Historic Districts

  • North Park Dryden Historic District

North Park is known for the charming and varied architecture of its residences. Many homes reflect the Arts and Crafts Movement ideals of honesty and close connection between a structure and the earth. The neighborhood of Pershing Avenue and 28th Street, from Upas to Landis Streets, encompasses 22 bungalows and gracious two-story houses built by David O. Dryden, a master of the Craftsman style. Another 16 homes in this neighborhood were built by Dryden’s contemporary, Edward F. Bryans, who specialized in the small cottage Craftsman style. Homes in this neighborhood are among the earliest houses of North Park, built primarily between 1910 and 1926 during one of San Diego’s greatest local building booms. Fine examples of Dryden’s work include the exuberant oriental-style Craftsman residence at the corner of 28th and Capps Streets, and the stately redwood board and shingle home at the corner of Myrtle and 28th Streets. Many other homes in this area built by other designer/builders contribute to the historical significance of the neighborhood.

The North Park Dryden area is one of 12 potential historic districts identified by the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB), based on the 1996 Historical Greater Mid-City San Diego Preservation Strategy developed by Wayne Donaldson. This area, one of San Diego’s earliest suburban neighborhoods, is significant for its concentration of homes by master craftsmen Dryden and Bryans, and for the diverse collection of surrounding homes that exhibit the architectural details typifying the American Arts and Crafts Movement.

An application for designation of the neighborhood as a historic district was filed with the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board in May 2007 by the NPCA North Park History Committee – now the nonprofit North Park Historical Society. In September 2008, City staff requested additional information. In January 2009 a Supplemental Application was submitted which discusses why the neighborhood reflects significant elements of North Park's development, justifies the proposed district boundaries, and nominates Edward F. Bryans as a Master Builder. The application is under review by City staff.

  • Park Blvd neighborhood/ Park Blvd Apartment Row Historic District

This area is roughly bound by University Ave to the north and Cypress Ave to the south. It includes many distinctive Art Deco and Art Modern storefront facades.

Individual Non-Residential North Park Historic Landmarks

The following non-residential individual resources within Greater North Park have been designated City of San Diego historic landmarks: (source: North Park Historical Survey, City of San Diego Planning Dept, Mr. 2004; and San Diego Historic Register website)

  1. Birch North Park Theatre, 29th St and University Blvd,1928
  2. Wink’s/Deturi/Shoe Palace/Shoe Repair/ Neon Sign, 2911-A University Ave, 1949 
  3. Grace Lutheran Church, 3993 Park Blvd. 1930 
  4. Carter Construction Company Swiss Chalet, 3503 Ray Street, 1912 
  5. 30th Street Garage/North Oark Auto Body Shop Street 3335 30th Street, 1923 
  6. Gustafson Furniture Building, 2930 El Cajon Blvd, 1948
  7. Georgia Street Bridge, Park Blvd & University Ave, 1900 University Ave, 1914
  8. Lafayette Hotel/ Imig Manor, 2223 El Cajon Blvd, 1946
  9. Rose Grocery, 2215-2219 30th Street , 1923 
  10. Fire Station #9, 2211 30th Street, 1913)

The following resources have been identified as Potentially Eligible for Individual Designation: (source: North Park Historical Survey, City of San Diego Planning Dept, Mr. 2004; and San Diego Historic Register website

  1. Our Lady of Peace, 4860 Oregon Street, 1916
  2. Art Deco Commercial Building, 4237-4251 Park Blvd, 1926
  3. Modern Commercial Building, 1835 El Cajon Blvd, 1965
  4. Modern Commercial Building, 2449 El Cajon Blvd, 1965
  5. North Park Water Tower, 2700 block Howard Avenue, 1924
  6. Art Deco Commercial Building, 2935- 2947 El Cajon Blvd, 1925
  7. Commercial Building, 2921-2923 El Cajon Blvd, 1950
  8. Moderne Commercial Building, 2903 El Cajon Blvd/ 4236 Illinois, 1950
  9. San Diego Consolidated Gas & Electric Substation F, 3169 El Cajon Blvd, 1926
  10. Moderne Commercial Building, 3093 El Cajon Blvd, 1930
  11. Silvergate Masonic Temple, 3795 Utah Street,1931
  12. Granada (McColl) Building, 2867 University Ave, 1921
  13. Mission Revival Chapel3729 30th Street, 1925
  14. Nordberg Building, 3043-3049 University Ave,1927
  15. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Complex, 3583-3585 30th Street, 1919/1928
  16. St. Augustine High School3226 West Nutmeg Street, 1923

How Are Properties Designated As Historic?

Historic Registers

  • National Register Of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s inventory of historic places and includes districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant in terms of American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The Register’s “Criteria for Evaluation” is broad in an effort to recognize the wide variety of historic properties associated with prehistory and history. Properties listed in the National Registry possess a high level of integrity. Criteria include association with events and people that made a contribution to history, distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or that represent works of master architects, or have high artistic values, and others.
www.nps.gov

  • California Register Of Historic Places

The California Register of Historic Resources is a guide to California’s historical and archeological resources to be used by state and local agencies, private groups, and citizens in identifying the existing historical resources of the state, and to indicate which resources deserve to be protected. The California Register follows the criteria established by the National Register of Historic Places. The register includes: resources listed in or eligible for the National Register; state historical landmarks; points of historical interest recommended for listing by the State Historical Resources Commission; individual historic resources an historic districts and resources and districts designated as city or county landmarks pursuant to a city or county ordinance when the designation criteria are consistent with California Register criteria.

  • City of San Diego Register of Historical Places/ Historical Landmarks

The City of San Diego Planning Department defines a historical site as any site, building, structure, district or mark of historical significance due to its association with such things as noted past events, historical persons or distinguishing architectural characteristics, or a significant representation of an era in the development of a city. Formal designation of a historic property is the responsibility of the City’s Historical Resources Board (HRB). The City of San Diego Historical Resources staff works closely with the San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB) to identify and list eligible properties in the San Diego Register of Historical Resources. Once designated, these properties are protected from demolition and are eligible for financial incentives to help encourage their long-term preservation and reuse. The City currently has 865 individually designated historic properties and 18 historic districts citywide.

Required Elements of Historic Districts

A Historical District is a significant concentration or linkage of sites, buildings, structures or objects that are united historically, geographically, or aesthetically by plan or physical development and that have a special character, historical interest, cultural or aesthetic value, or that represent one or more architectural periods or style in the history and development of the city. (see San Diego Municipal Code Section 113.0103). The City of San Diego recognizes five types of historical districts: 1) Geographic/ Traditional; 2) Thematic; 3) Voluntary/Traditional; 4) Emerging; and 5) Archaeological. These are explained in the Historical Resources Board Policy (Policy 4.1, Historical Districts). A proposed historical district must meet one or more of the eleven criteria that are described in the HRB policy.
www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf

Benefits to and Responsibilities of Property Owners of Historic Districts

Once a Historical District is established, all development and redevelopment, including additions, modifications, new construction, relocations and demolitions are subject to the U. S. Secretary of the Interior Standards. Secretary of the Interior Standards are locally-administered, flexible, common-sense guidelines that suggest options for rehabilitation of historic buildings. The guidelines do not prohibit changes, but they do assure that any proposed changes or additions are compatible with the historic character of the building. They require additions to be distinguishable as clearly new so that the proposed change is not confused with the original historic structure. This distinction can be subtle or distinct. Historical District status has no effect on the interior of a home. These Standards can be found on the National Park Service website at
www.cr.nps.gov

To illustrate the impact to a homeowner wishing to remodel, all homeowners have to obtain a permit before doing major alterations to their home’s exterior, such as building an addition or second story, stuccoing over wood siding, removing original porches, or removing wood windows and replacing them with aluminum or vinyl ones. If the home is located within a Historic District the differences are that: a) the proposed changes would have to be compatible (but not identical) with the style or character of the home, and b) there would be a project review by the City to check that the plans meet the U. S. Secretary of the Interior Standards, in addition to a typical building permit review.

Designation by the San Diego Historic Resources Board of a neighborhood as a Historic District facilitates the following potential benefits for the property owners of contributing homes:

  • Mills Act property tax reductions (20%-70% cost savings per year) Protection against a change in zoning or increase in allowable density,
  • Enhancement of home values,
  • Preservation of the neighborhood’s unique historic character,
  • Use of the State Historic Building Code, which allows for more flexibility when designing additions/modifications or proposing adaptive reuse of a building,
  • Ability of owners to obtain a CUP for a use that is otherwise not permitted under existing zoning, such as locating professional offices in historic homes in multi-family residential zones,
  • Legislative protection for historically designated properties.

What Historic Surveys/Studies Have Been Done In North Park?

Historical surveys are inventories of properties that are at least 45 years old and have reasonable architectural integrity. Historical surveys are often used as planning tools as part of redevelopment activities or community plan updates. Surveys may also result in the subsequent preparation of historical district nominations. The City of San Diego has periodically prepared historical surveys for various community areas, either by staff or, more often, through the use of qualified historical consultants. Surveys prepared by professionals on behalf of community/neighborhood groups are also reviewed by the San Diego HRB. A survey begun in 2009 is currently underway.

The following Historical surveys and studies were completed in the past for the North Park area:

  • 2004 North Park Historical Survey (City of San Diego Planning Dept)

The City of San Diego engaged Gensler Consulting to conduct the North Park Historical Survey in 2002. Building on the “Greater Mid-City Historic Preservation Strategy” completed in 1995 by Wayne Donaldson, the purpose of this survey was to document all resources 45 years or older within the survey area. The ultimate goal was to work with the City’s Planning Department and community representatives to identify resources potentially eligible for historic designation as an individually significant resource or as a contributor to a historic district. The survey developed an inventory database of potentially historic resources, including buildings, structures, and objects, and evaluated their eligibility for historic designation primarily based on architectural integrity. A development history of North Park was also provided as a foundation for future designation-level documentation of resources. The survey provided recommendations for its use as a community-planning tool and highlighted potential historic districts.
http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf/npsurvey.pdf

  • 2003 Revitalizing North Park through Arts, Culture, Entertainment Historical Survey (North Park Main Street)

The North Park commercial area is important historically because it contains a cross section of twentieth century commercial buildings – including retail and residential buildings built near streetcar stops, streamline moderne stores, a mid-twentieth century department store, and international style office buildings. North Park Main Street conducted an historical survey of the North Park business district, creating a preliminary inventory of approximately 65 buildings and identifying more than 40 potentially significant buildings along and adjacent to University Avenue between Park Boulevard and Boundary Street. The following information was documented for each building: the building’s address, its historic name, the year built, the name of the architect, builder and/or contractor, architectural style, materials and details, remodeling history, and historical significance.

  • 1996 Historical Greater Mid-City San Diego Preservation Strategy (City of San Diego Planning Dept)

“The Historical Greater Mid-City San Diego Preservation Strategy” was completed in 1996 by the consultant team of Architect Milford Wayne Donaldson, IS Architecture and RNP/Roesling Nakamura Architects. This reconnaissance survey, commissioned by the City of San Diego, provided an informational foundation of preservation strategies and potential historic resources within Uptown, University Heights, North Park, South Park, and City Heights. The survey documented approximately 6,000 resources constructed before 1945. Twelve potential historic districts were identified by the survey, many of which are included in the list of areas excluded from the North Park Historic Resources Survey.

  • 1995 North Park Redevelopment Project, Project Area Survey (City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency)

As described by the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency, the North Park project area “focuses on rehabilitation and revitalization of commercial, mixed-uses in transit corridors and residential areas. Historic preservation and public art are incorporated features within the redevelopment focus.” As part of the project, the Agency surveyed the prehistoric and historic cultural resources within the commercial corridors of the redevelopment project area including Adams Avenue, 30th Street, El Cajon Boulevard, and University Avenue. Approximately 94 historic resources were documented within the project area; Department of Parks and Recreation 523A and 523B forms were completed for each resource. (Sources 8, 9) The Redevelopment Project, in addition to identifying a number of historic structures within the Project Area, also proposed the creation of two historic districts within North Park to mitigate the impact of redevelopment on historic buildings (see below):

  • Adams Avenue from Hamilton Street to I-805

The creation of a historic district along Adams Avenue, from Hamilton Street to Interstate 805 was recommended. This district could include the historically significant Craftsman bungalow residences and the Art Deco structures within the boundaries of the North Park Redevelopment Cultural Resource Survey Area, along the north and south sides of Adams Avenue.

  • North Park Historic Business District (NPHBD)

A North Park Historic Business District on University Avenue was recommended to include historically significant structures and could include the following areas/boundaries: 1. Along the south side of University Avenue, the NPHBD could generally include that portion of the Cultural Resource Survey Area between Granada Street and 32nd Street, north of North Park Way; and 2) Along the north side of University Avenue, the NPHBD could include the area within the Cultural Resource Survey Area north of University Avenue, south of Lincoln Avenue, between Hamilton and Bancroft streets.

  • 1986 Greater North Park Community Plan (City of San Diego Planning Dept)

The Greater North Park Community Plan, completed by the City of San Diego in 1986, was an update to the previous Plan adopted by the City Council in 1970. The Plan documents information about the North Park Community, proposes alternatives for residential and commercial planning, and highlights various planning elements such as housing, commercial, transportation and circulation, community facilities, parks and recreation, open space, conservation, cultural and heritage resources, and urban design.

 

Website Designed By: