2022 University Heights Historical Society Progress Report

Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society has continued to fulfill its mission in 2022 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.

Following is an overview of our efforts in 2022. Click on the images for more information.

Historical Markers Commemorating Early UH History

With a $10,000 grant from the County of San Diego, installed three, free-standing historical markers in the public right of way along Adams Avenue and Mission Cliff Drive commemorating the early history of University Heights.

National Landmark Plaque for Teachers Training Annex

Gifted a plaque to the San Diego Unified School District for installation on the Teachers Training Annex 1, commemorating its status as a National Landmark. The Teachers Training Annex was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 through the efforts of the University Heights Historical Society.

University Heights House Plaque

Created, produced, and sold over 50 house plaques commemorating the founding of UH in 1888.

Free Webinars on Researching and Designating Your Historic Home 

Hosted two free webinars on Researching and Designating Your Historic Home presented by Amie Hayes with Save Our Heritage Organisation, and Doug Mengers, Senior Archaeologist/Historian with PanGIS. Inc.

Digital Guide to Researching and Historically Designating Your Property 

Created a digital Guide to Researching and Historically Designating Your Property that includes a one-hour recorded webinar and 56-page slide deck presented by Senior Archaeologist/Historian Doug Mengers with PanGIS. Inc. 

Blog Series on 125th Anniversary of San Diego State University

Published a series of blog articles commemorating the 125th anniversary of San Diego State University which began at the Normal School in University Heights.

History Uncovered on Park Blvd.

Researched and published a blog article about the history of the old, hand-painted Johnston's Variety Department Store sign revealed during renovation of the former Small Bar at 4628 Park Blvd. The owner originally planned to call the new restaurant The Regular but changed the name to Johnston's as a nod to the history of the building.

Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings on Normal Street Site

Continued to advocate to the San Diego Unified School District for the preservation and adaptive reuse of Annexes 1-4 in conjunction with the proposed redevelopment of the Normal Street site in University Heights.

Canary Island Palms Preventively Treated

Thanks to the collective efforts of the University Heights Historical Society, University Heights Community Association, and concerned UH community members, the City has continued to preventively treat eight Canary Island Palms in University Heights every six months since December 2020 for the South American Palm Weevil. This includes three palms in the 4600 block of Park Blvd. and five historically-designated palms in the 4700 block of Park Blvd. Unfortunately, one of the six original historically-designated palms has been lost since treatment began.