Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

New Memoir of Mission Cliff Gardens

The University Heights Historical Society is delighted to offer a new booklet, Mission Cliff Gardens, A Memoir, by Carole Bryant, great-granddaughter of John Davidson who was the superintendent of Mission Cliff Gardens in University Heights.

Read More
Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

George A. d’Hemecourt: The Man Behind the Map

It’s a name you have probably seen before but can’t quite remember where. Civil Engineer George (G.A.) d’Hemecourt is immortalized on the grant deeds and parcel maps of approximately 6,200 properties in University Heights, typically as “UNIVERSITY HTS. D’HEMECOURT MAP AMENDED (MAP 558).”

Read More
Education Mike Maschino Education Mike Maschino

Hidden Gem in University Heights: “The Manor House”

A 97-year-old Spanish Colonial gem sits at the west end of Madison Avenue in University Heights and was once owned by Samuel Mason. Mason was president of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the 1935 Panama California International Exhibition in Balboa Park, and vice president and general manager at both the San Diego Electric Railway and the San Diego & Coronado Ferry companies.

Read More
Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

Celebrating 135 Years in University Heights!

At 135 years old, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and home to the former Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, San Diego Silk Mill, Adams Avenue Carbarn, the first reservoir for the city’s municipal water system, and the San Diego Normal School, forerunner to San Diego State University.

Read More
Education, Historic Preservation Ginger Weatherford Education, Historic Preservation Ginger Weatherford

University Heights Architectural Styles: Spanish Colonial

University Heights has many older homes, including over 170 that are historically designated, representing a wide variety of architectural styles from Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Contemporary, Victorian, and Queen Anne Free Classic to Mission Revival. This article explores the architectural features that define the Spanish Colonial architectural style, one of the more common styles in University Heights.

Read More
Education, Historic Preservation Ginger Weatherford Education, Historic Preservation Ginger Weatherford

University Heights Architectural Styles: Craftsman

University Heights has many older homes, including over 170 that are historically designated, representing a wide variety of architectural styles from Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Contemporary, Victorian, and Queen Anne Free Classic to Mission Revival. This article explores the architectural features that define the Craftsman architectural style, one of the most common styles in University Heights.

Read More
Historic Preservation, Education Kristin Harms Historic Preservation, Education Kristin Harms

Historic Architectural Assessment of Your Older Home or Property

Wondering if your older home qualifies for up to 50% property tax reduction through the Mills Act? Properties must be historically designated properties in order to qualify for the Mills Act. The University Heights Historical Society can help owners of older properties decide if their home may be potentially eligible for historic designation.

Read More
Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

Celebrating 134 Years in University Heights!

At 134 years old, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and home to the former Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, San Diego Silk Mill, Adams Avenue Carbarn, the first reservoir for the city’s municipal water system, and the San Diego Normal School, forerunner to San Diego State University.

Read More
Education Kristin Harms Education Kristin Harms

New! University Heights House Plaque

Show your love for University Heights with our new, 7” diameter, bronze color plaque made from 14-gauge steel, sanded smooth, and coated with a durable UV powder coat to endure the elements for many years to come. Perfect for proudly mounting on the front of your house or business.

Read More