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SAN DIEGO IS KNOWN for its beautiful beaches, but historic beachside properties are often lost to development and new home construction as everyone tries to craft their perfect piece of paradise. However, our next winners decided to do just the opposite after purchasing their 1929 historic home in La Jolla, dedicating unyielding time, resources, and passion into their first-ever historic home restoration. Their particular home is one of three English Tudor Revival style cottages in a row referred to as "The Little Peoples' Block" originally designed by Florence Palmer. In the 1920s, Florence Palmer was one of only four women architects working in a male-dominated field. Over the years, the house has suffered from vegetation overgrowth, stucco damage, a rotting roof, and water and drainage issues that led to an unstable foundation. With the help of their general contractor, Jim Sweig, owner of Sweig General Contracting, Inc., the couple set out on a lengthy restoration that re-stabilized the entire home and led to the discovery of the original wood shingle roof, salmon-pink stucco, original paint colors, and more were all able to be meticulously recreated. The end result is a beautifully restored home curated and handcrafted by specialists that the couple spent months vetting for the job. SOHO is proud to present Dr. Adriana Diakiw and Dr. Hal Meltzer with the Gift to the Street Residential Restoration Award for an outstanding project and inspiring dedication to historic preservation.

Click HERE to watch a congratulatory message from San Diego City Council President Pro Temp Barbara Bry.