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San Diego’s Success was Built on Historic Preservation
November/December 2024
 SOHO Reflections May 1977 |
San Diego’s identity and success as an international tourism destination was built on historic preservation, yet the city is allowing both homegrown and out-of-town developers to dismiss the value of historic sites when it suits them. The same people who shrug off preservation as a costly, inconvenient obstacle are quick to capitalize on its appeal when it benefits their interests. Yet people and businesses who value our architectural and cultural heritage have repeatedly demonstrated that our rich history is a cornerstone of both our city's and our region’s identity, appeal, and economic vitality. Adaptive reuse of historic buildings is one of the brightest stars of this story.
Take the Gaslamp Quarter, for example. The area is not just a tourist attraction—it’s a vivid, living demonstration of the power of preservation. Historic structures like the Horton Grand Hotel (1886), the Louis Bank of Commerce Building (1888), and the Old City Hall (1874), which were saved and restored, now serve as vibrant spaces that drive the city’s economy and its heartbeat. Designed in eras from Victorian to Art Deco, these late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings weren't just spared from demolition; they were given new life as restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues that draw visitors and locals alike, again and again.
The same goes for the William Heath Davis House, which dates to 1850 and is downtown San Diego’s oldest surviving building. Today, it operates as the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. Preservation efforts made all these success stories possible, not short-sighted development schemes.
Let’s not forget that the Gaslamp wasn't always viewed as a sparkling gem. Decades ago, its historic buildings along nearly deserted streets were threatened with demolition. But SOHO and other visionaries recognized the value of preserving this cluster of San Diego’s architectural heritage, understanding, too, that the greenest building is the one already built. This approach honors the city's past while also supporting a sustainable future, as adaptive reuse and preservation demonstrably minimize environmental impact compared to new construction.
Meanwhile, misguided development has led to the demolition of useful structures in favor of luxury housing, reaching an all-time high. The city should prioritize adaptive reuse and the preservation of its historic fabric rather than demolishing valuable resources for ill-conceived projects that serve only an affluent minority.
San Diego’s preservation efforts have consistently proven to be a smart investment. The city’s adaptive reuse success stories—like the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building (1928), transformed into the Courtyard San Diego Downtown hotel—are solid evidence of the economic benefits that come from preserving and repurposing our architectural heritage. Each saved building tells the story of San Diego's growth and transformation, offering a finer-grained community development that fosters a sense of place and continuity.
Developers who fail to understand the profound role that preservation has played in shaping San Diego should not be allowed to dictate the city’s future. Their calls to sideline preservation anytime they please reveal a profound ignorance of what makes this city unique. San Diego’s history is not a liability; it is an asset that continues to draw people to the area. We must continue to champion preservation, not only to honor our past but to ensure a more sustainable and vibrant future for generations to come.
As in the Gaslamp Quarter, our city’s treasured collection of historic buildings is worth preserving for everyone’s benefit and glory. We cannot sacrifice our priceless architectural heritage for the sake of luxury housing and reckless, self-serving development schemes.
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