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Inequities in the Historic Designation Process
By Bruce Coons
September/October 2023

In the May-June 2023 issue of Our Heritage News, I began to shine a little light on some of the inherent inequities within San Diego's historic designation process and the impact it has on low-income communities. The response to the article was strong, demonstrating a real need to address this issue further. (Read “Breaking Down Barriers: Achieving Inclusive Historic Preservation Policies in San Diego”) Now, let’s look deeper into the complexities of the situation and explore potential solutions.

Historic designation plaque

Courtesy Architectural West Magazine

The City of San Diego’s historical designation process has inadvertently perpetuated systemic exclusion, resulting in the marginalization of low-income communities. The unintended emphasis by the city process on predominantly affluent neighborhoods has left many historically significant areas in underserved communities overlooked and vulnerable to displacement and destruction. The Golden Hill Expansion, Logan Heights Historic District, and the Culverwell and Taggart Addition districts are just three of the dozens of areas with completed historic district surveys that are just sitting—some of them for decades—without the proposed historic districts ever being forwarded to the city’s Historical Resources Board for designation. Many areas like Encanto and El Cerrito have not been even surveyed. By recognizing the implications of this exclusionary practice, SOHO’s objective is to amplify the voices of those who have long been sidelined and call for a transformative change. We need to see these districts prioritized, processed, and completed.

The current criteria for historic designation often prioritizes architectural styles and structures associated with affluent individuals and groups. Expanding the criteria for historic significance will foster inclusivity. Recognizing the cultural, social, and economic contributions of historically marginalized communities is vital. By embracing a more comprehensive approach, we can uncover notable past residents and hidden community stories, while preserving San Diego’s diverse heritage and enriching our collective culture.

The city needs a proactive strategy to safeguard existing affordable housing units in historically designated areas. Measures such as rent control, tenant protection policies, and community land trusts can help mitigate the potential negative consequences of gentrification, ensuring that long-term residents can continue to thrive in their historic homes and neighborhoods.

By providing financial support, technical assistance, and educational programs, the City of San Diego can help level the playing field for low-income homeowners and neighborhoods seeking historic designation. Collaborating with nonprofits, community organizations, and philanthropic entities can amplify these efforts and create a sustainable framework for change. San Diego has an opportunity to redefine its historic designation process and become a model for equitable preservation practices.

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