Save Our Heritage Organisation
Villa Montezuma
One of San Diego's finest architectural treasures is back on the list after several years' absence because it remains vacant, vulnerable and in a state of disrepair. Designed in 1887 by the renowned architecture firm of Comstock & Trotsche, this ornate, polychrome Queen Anne
mansion has been a beloved landmark ever since it was built for the world-famous concert pianist and spiritualist, Jesse Francis Shepard. The colorful artist invited friends and neighbors for classical concerts and mysterious séances in grand rooms with specially commissioned stained-glass windows at a time when cultural offerings were relatively scarce in San Diego.
SOHO, when it was still a young organization, helped save this palatial house when it first left private ownership in a debilitated state. Now owned by the city of San Diego, the Villa was operated as a house museum for many years by the San Diego Historical Society. Once a neighborhood arts center as well as a house museum, the Villa was beloved by new generations of San Diegans. But attendance and priorities dropped dramatically in recent years. The society closed it four years ago and in February 2009, the historical society, gave up the lease and left the house back with the city. This Victorian treasure remains in jeopardy as long as it sits vacant and without historic professionals oversight for maintenance or repairs.
Seven threatened sites from 2009 that remain on the list are:
- California Theater, San Diego
- Rancho Guejito, Escondido
- Red Roost and Red Rest cottages, La Jolla
- Golden Hill Fountain Grotto, San Diego
- Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
- Amy Strong Castle, Ramona
- Ryan Aeronautics Complex, San Diego
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