Historic Homes of University Heights: Jennie Alberta Wales House
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.
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.
First Normal School Graduation Held in 1900
On June 21, 1900, the San Diego Normal School in University Heights (now San Diego State University) held its first commencement ceremonies. Twenty-six students graduated including 23 women and 3 men.
New Historic Markers Commemorate Early History of University Heights
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.
History Uncovered on Park Boulevard in University Heights
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.
Repairing and Restoring Wood Windows
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.
Free Webinars on Researching and Designating Your Historic Home
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.
Let's Talk Sanborn Maps
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.
Be a Preservation Steward
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.
Happy 133rd Birthday, University Heights!
At 133 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.
New! Guide to Researching Your Home
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?
Historic Homes of University Heights: The James A. Creelman House
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.
26th Anniversary of the University Heights Street Sign
Celebrate the 26th anniversary of the University Heights street sign, installed on April 3, 1997!
New Self-Guided Walking Tours of University Heights
Check out the new self-guided walking tours of University Heights including historic churches and the Normal School site.
Sue Earnest, PhD, Distinguished Graduate of Normal School in University Heights
To celebrate Women’s History Month, the University Heights Historical Society honors Dr. Sue Earnest, distinguished Normal School graduate.
Help Us Raise $600 for New Self-Guided Walking Tours
Like everyone, the pandemic has required that we be a little more creative in finding safe ways to educate the public about our community's significant history. With your support, we would like to raise $600 to design and print some new self-guided walking tours of University Heights.
City Treats Historic Palms in University Heights for Palm Weevil
The City of San Diego preventively treated nine Canary Island Palms this month for the South American Palm Weevil. These included three in the 4600 block of Park Blvd., and the six historically-designated palms in the 4700 block of Park Blvd.
Virtual Tour of Early University Heights
Join Kristin Harms with the University Heights Historical Society for a live, virtual walking tour via Zoom of the early history of University Heights from the comfort and safety of your own home!
Help Eradicate the South American Palm Weevil in University Heights
The University Heights Historical Society and University Heights Community Association need the community’s help to eradicate the deadly South American Palm Weevil, a destructive pest that is killing Canary Island Palms throughout San Diego including University Heights
City Promises to Treat Historic Palm Trees
Chris Ward’s office is working with the City Forester to preventively treat the historically-designated Canary Island Palms in University Heights.