Presidio Park, Old Town

Presidio Park has repeatedly held a four-alarm spot on SOHO’s Most Endangered List, first in 2005, when plans for a destructive City of San Diego makeover loomed. Then, this rare resource reappeared on the list from 2016 to the present, when a city and institutional museum plan threatened needless destruction of this venerated landscape for the proposed building of a catering road to service Junípero Serra Museum events in the park. Although viable alternatives exist, this flawed plan endangers this most diverse historic site in San Diego.

Presidio Park is one of the most significant historical and cultural landscapes and archeological sites in the United States.

Buried remains of the 1769 Spanish presidio, the first European settlement in California, constitute a priceless archaeological site awaiting study. Buried resources could be destroyed by the project to add ADA access, a catering lot, and a ramp.

Another important aspect of the presidio's history is it was home to the first Black residents in San Diego. The settlement's population included a mix of Spanish, mestizo, Afro-Hispanic, and other racially mixed individuals. In fact, by 1818, the base commander noted the population was composed of roughly one-third Spanish, one-third mestizo, and one-third Afro-Hispanic individuals. Most of the colonists were of mixed races.

Surviving parish records and archeology confirm the presence of many different ethnic groups at the presidio. Other documents provide evidence of a small number of United States citizens, British, Italians, Belgians, Peruvians, Filipinos, and Polynesians.

Preserving Presidio Park is essential not only for its historical significance as the first European settlement in California but also for recognizing and honoring the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the people who lived there. This includes the Kumeyaay Cosoy village nearby, and all who helped shape the region's history and character.

The plan also threatens some of the park's oldest towering trees and Presidio Park benefactor George W. Marston's signature cobblestone features dating to 1929.

Additionally, the ill-conceived proposal would lead to a significant reduction in the site's historic elevation by 5 to 10 feet, particularly at the casamata (fort) location, which was strategically built on higher ground to defend the Spanish presidio. This irresponsible and unnecessary excavation would irreparably undermine and damage the site's historical integrity.

The proposed plan fails even to achieve its goal of adding ADA access to the Serra Museum, making it all the more questionable. A public review for any proposed changes must be done.

SOHO and the San Diego County Archaeological Society are actively advocating for the preservation and an EIR of this National Historic Landmark and its rare archaeology.

Additionally and separately, the Serra Cross is also at threat of loss. Built in 1913 from fragments of tiles from the original Presidio of 1769, this monument predates the establishment of Presidio Park. Damaged by a winter storm several years ago and now roped off for public safety reasons, this unique structure is threatened with demolition by neglect. UPDATE Great news the cross has been repaired, see the images.

Call to action Join us as we urge the city to conduct an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project, instead of a less rigorous Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), to ensure thorough consideration of alternatives and to allow for meaningful on-site scoping meetings. The importance of an EIR cannot be overstated as it allows for a comprehensive assessment of the project's impact on the park's historical significance and environment, as well as the essential requirement that the city include the public in project reviews and the decision-making process.

The Plan of the San Diego Presidio completed by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo and dated 1820. Source: The Journal of San Diego History, Summer 1986, page 193. Courtesy San Diego History Center

The red line shows the current project.

C. 1970s, thriving and filled with visitors.

2007. Photo by Allen Hazard