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Rare Richardsonian Romanesque Designated!
November/December 2020
 A 1907 San Diego Union article highlights architect Elmer Bayless. Courtesy California Historical Resources Inventory Database, 540 Thorn Street report |
 San Diego's Sixth Avenue streetscape, seen in a 1909 postcard. |
Sitting prominently at the corner of Thorn Street and Sixth Avenue, across from Balboa Park, 540 Thorn Street is, for San Diego, an unusual and uniquely mixed-style building. One of the last remaining mansions that once faced the park, SOHO is excited to report that, with City of San Diego historic staff support, this 1909 house is now designated as an exemplary and rare example of a Tudor Revival style house with both Richardsonian Romanesque and Arts and Crafts era influences.
One of only two known buildings within San Diego in the Richardsonian Romanesque style (see also 2404 F Street in Golden Hill), features include the asymmetrical facades with rectangular windows, round arches above the porch and entries, and masonry walls with rough-faced squared stonework. However, its most distinct and rarely seen Richardsonian feature is the use of ashlar stone at the front entry, porch, and two of the three chimneys. The main Tudor Revival style is illustrated by the half-timbering within multiple gables (look closely as it is painted white), the steeply pitched side-gable roof, wood frame divided-light and sash windows, prominent chimneys, and the stone and stucco exterior cladding. Arts and Crafts era influences are seen in the partial width front porch, windows of varying shapes and sizes, and rectangular massing.
The teenage designer, Russ High School student Elmer G. Bayless, is a "lad" who achieved an "artistic effect," reported the San Diego Union. This may be why it was featured on so many contemporary postcards. Without architecture or drawing training, Elmer designed the home for his father, who was an established "constructor." While SOHO looks forward to further researching this young man's short career, Bayless tragically died from surgical complications just before the house was completed. How and by whom or what was his youthful natural talent cultivated?
The house anchors a particular block of important historical resources along Sixth Avenue and Thorn Street, which is one of the remaining few that continues to convey the history and architecture that once framed Balboa Park's western edge. 540 Thorn Street is an impressive example from a talented, if mysterious, for now, designer.
Thank you, Historical Resources Board, for designating this important and highly unusual San Diego residence!
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