University Heights is fortunate to be home to 70 bungalow courts built between 1920 and 1950. They were (and still are) very popular among renters for providing a home-like setting without the maintenance responsibilities. They also offer greater privacy and independence than apartment buildings as well as a sense of community since units face a shared common area.

The University Heights Historical Society has created the free, UH Old House Resource Exchange for owners of older homes in University Heights to ask questions and share resources about restoring an older home.

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.

Established in 1888, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and is fortunate to have many homes and landmarks dating to its early development. Most of the remaining landmarks and some of the historic homes in University Heights are protected from demolition or inappropriate alteration by historic designation.

Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society has continued to fulfill its mission in 2023 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.

Thanks to our supporters, the University Heights Historical Society has continued to fulfill its mission in 2023 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.

At its June meeting, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board historically designated the Torrey Apartments at 4260 Campus Avenue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This beautiful Queen Anne Free Classic style home at 1086 Hayes Avenue in University Heights built in 1908 was historically designated by the City of San Diego Historic Resources Board on May 26, 2022.

Three new historic markers were installed on May 18th by the University Heights Historical Society with a grant from the County of San Diego, and in partnership with the City of San Diego, the University Heights Community Development Corporation, and the University Heights Maintenance Assessment District.

A little bit of University Heights history was uncovered in early April when an old hand-painted sign for “Johnston’s Variety Department Store” was revealed under the sign for the former Small Bar at 4628 Park Blvd.

Save our Heritage Organisation is launching a free video tutorial series on Restoration Projects for the Historic Home Owner. Watch this first, step by step video on how to repair and restore your old wood window.

The University Heights Historical Society will host two free webinars in March about how to research and submit a nomination to historically designate your home, presented by historic preservation experts Amie Hayes with SOHO, and Doug Mengers with PanGIS.

Created originally for the fire insurance industry for risk assessment purposes, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps provide a wealth of information about the historical evolution of buildings, including their historic uses and building materials, for conservation, and restoration and rehabilitation.

As urban infill increases in University Heights, many of our older, potentially historic properties may be at risk for demolition. As a resident of University Heights, there is much you can easily do to help protect our historic heritage.

Founded in 1888, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods. And chances are, you live in an older home with a story to tell.  Perhaps you have wondered who built the house or who has lived there before you. You might even be interested in having your home historically-designated. But where do you start?

Built in 1908, the James A. Creelman House at 4656 North Avenue is one of the oldest homes in University Heights. James A. Creelman, a florist, and his wife Agnes purchased the property from the San Diego Electric Railway Company in October 1908 and built the house in the Craftsman (Arts and Crafts) style which would have just have come into vogue.