The City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB) designated four new resources in July, including one associated with William S. Ivans, one of America's greatest sailplane pilots. The HRB also made a positive recommendation to the State Historical Resources Commission in support of listing the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) Munk Laboratory at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography on the National Register of Historic Places. They also received Mills Act training, and heard a brief update on the City Council's unanimous decision to overturn the historical designation of 550 Washington Street; read more HERE.

Photo 550 Washington Street, San Diego. Photo by Julius Shulman Photography. Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

2530-2532 A Street in Golden Hill is a two-story house with Neoclassical elements built in 1906 during the Arts and Crafts era. Designated under Criterion C for architecture, its features include the hip roof and wood clapboard exterior, full-width front porch, exposed rafter tails, divided-light wood sash windows, pedimented gable with fish scale shingles, chimney, and more.

4351 Bancroft Street in Normal Heights is an example of a c. 1927 Arts and Crafts era bungalow. Significant under Criterion C for exemplary architecture, characteristics are the low-pitched gable roof with exposed rafter tails, wood clapboard exterior, wood sash and casement windows, half-width entry porch with tapered square columns, and a brick chimney.

807 La Jolla Rancho Road in La Jolla is a Contemporary style home with Post and Beam influences built in 1961. Designated under Criterion B, this house is associated with William S. Ivans, one of America's greatest sailplane pilots. Flying in San Diego from 1962 through 1999, Ivans won many awards and recognition for his records and contributions to the field. In addition, he popularized the sport of glider flying. Also designated under Criterion C for architecture with a rare method of soaring, residential construction: cantilevered, tapered steel beams. Stylistic features include the site-specific, hillside design and orientation, redwood siding, clerestory and floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and the low-pitched gable roof with deep eaves over a split-level design.

1020 Prospect Street in La Jolla is a commercial resource that illustrates the International style with Brutalist influences. Built in 1966 and significant under Criterion C, its features include the square footprint, concrete and stucco exterior, flat roof, strong angles and monumental massing, and the expressed structural system.

In August, the HRB designated four new historical resources and provided comments on the draft Bungalow Court and Apartment Court Historic Context Statement (see HERE), which will be sent to the California Office of Historic Preservation upon completion as part of a grant requirement. This context statement includes a comprehensive historical development context, specific property types, and designation eligibility standards. It will also guide City staff when evaluating bungalow and apartment courts and streamline historical designation for eligible resources. Thanks to everyone who responded to SOHO's August 26, 2021 Preservation Action Alert providing comments and testimony in support of this important document!

Photo Cover of the Bungalow Court and Apartment Court Historic Context Statement. Courtesy City of San Diego Planning Department

1403 Sutter Street in Uptown is a 1918 Arts and Crafts era bungalow. Designated under Criterion C for architecture, character defining features include a low-pitch gable roof with wide eaves, exposed rafters, wood clapboard siding, a partial-width front porch supported by large square piers, vertical attic vents, and double-hung and fixed wood windows.

5012 Westminster Terrace in Kensington is a Spanish Eclectic style home now designated under Criterion C for its impeccable architectural design. Features of this 1926 home include an asymmetrical facade, stucco exterior, front cross-gable roof clad in red tiles with a rear parapet, arched focal window, rectangular tower with hipped roof, wood windows, iron grille, stucco decoration, and more!

1907 Granada Avenue in Golden Hill is a c. 1927 Mission Revival style bungalow with Spanish Eclectic influences. Significant under Criterion C for exemplary architecture, characteristic features of the home include a smooth stucco exterior, symmetrical facade, and flat roof with stepped parapet. Spanish Eclectic influences include the gable entry porch roof supported by decorative brackets and covered with red clay tiles, wood sash windows (some with divided lights), and the front entry door.

4252 Alder Drive in Kensington is a Spanish Eclectic style home. Designated under Criterion B, it was the primary residence of Abraham and Anne Ratner, both important leaders of the San Diego Jewish community. Abraham was also significant to the regional clothing manufacturing industry, as operator of the Ratner Clothing Company. Also designated under Criterion C, characteristics of this 1928 Spanish Eclectic style design include the asymmetrical front facade, stucco exterior, low-pitched gable roof with red half-barrel clay tiles, casement and double-hung wood windows, a walled entry courtyard with fountain, and chimney with elaborated cap.