Update on Historic Preservation in University Heights

Early Work of the University Heights Historical Society

The University Heights Historical Society (UHHS) was established by the University Heights Community Development Corporation in 1997 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy. During these early years, the UHHS obtained historic designation for many of the historic landmarks in University Heights including:

  • The former entrance to Mission Cliff Gardens, established in 1898 by entrepreneur John D. Spreckels, including the redwood gate and some of the palm trees.

  • The cobblestone wall that lines Adams Avenue from Park Boulevard west to its dead end, and the cobblestone wall surrounding the former lily pond on Mission Cliff Drive at North Court. Both were built by Mission Cliff Gardens park superintendent John Davidson and his workers.

  • The former entrance to the Ostrich Farm at Park and Adams, including the redwood gate and the cobblestone piers. In 1904, John D. Spreckels invited Harvey Bentley to relocate his ostrich farm from Coronado.

  • The cobblestone remains of a drinking fountain, which was once part of an ornate waiting station for the Number 11 trolley.

  • Site of the former trolley carbarn, built in 1913 to store and perform minor service to several hundred trolleys. Trolley Barn Park is now located on this historic site.

  • The Teachers Training Annex, built in 1910 as a training laboratory for the Normal School, where student teachers were observed as they provided instruction to school-age children. In 1999, the Teachers Training Annex was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

University Heights Historical Society Revitalized

The UHHS was revitalized in February 2020 and has created and produced the following in the first five months of this year:

Please Support our Work

As a grassroots organization, 100% of your donations to the University Heights Historical Society are used toward expert fees (such as historic reports) and communications expenses like web hosting, email software, graphic design, and printing. There are no paid staff, just caring neighbors who support our mission. As a 501(c)(3) organization, contributions or gifts to the University Heights Historical Society are tax-deductible, to the extent provided by law.

New members receive a free copy of our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Valle Vista Terrace Historic District!

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Free, Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Normal School Site