2024 Year in Review
New Historic Marker to Be Installed in Trolley Barn Park
Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society continued to fulfill its mission in 2024 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.
We are particularly grateful to the County of San Diego and the almost 30 donors in University Heights who contributed to the fabrication and installation of a new historic marker in Trolley Barn Park.
The marker will commemorate the Adams Avenue Trolley Carbarn Site, City of San Diego Historical Landmark No. 369. Trolley Barn Park was once the site of a massive, 60,000-square-foot carbarn built in 1913 by the San Diego Electric Railway to house and maintain its electric streetcars.
Other accomplishments in 2024 are listed below.
Preservation
Completed Historic Architectural Assessment for this Craftsman Bungalow in University Heights
Completed a Historic Architectural Assessment for 4 homes in University Heights.
Education
New Publication: Mission Cliff Gardens, A Memoir
Received funding from donors and from the County of San Diego for fabricating and installing a historic marker in Trolley Barn Park. Production will begin in January 2025.
Published a new memoir of Mission Cliff Gardens by Carole Bryant, great-granddaughter of John Davidson who was the superintendent of Mission Cliff Gardens in University Heights.
Published a blog article on Civil Engineer George (G.A.) d’Hemecourt who is immortalized on the grant deeds and parcel maps of approximately 6,200 properties in University Heights.
Published a blog article about historic designation in the City of San Diego.
Sold 42 Memoirs of Mission Cliff Gardens, 25 ostrich house plaques, 15 self-guided walking tours, and 5 books about John Spreckels who helped shape much of the early history of University Heights.
Hosted two guided walking tours of the early history of University Heights for 52 participants.
Co-hosted a free seminar with Pemberley Realty for 12 participants on the Pros and Cons of Buying a Historic Home.
Participated in 4 community events.
Advocacy
Advocated for Preservation and Adaptive Reuse of Teachers Training Annex 1
Continued to advocate for the preservation of heritage trees, and the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings on the Normal Street Site
Advocated for strengthening the City of San Diego's Historic Preservation Ordinance