Good Bones:
historic homes San Diego’s heritage lives on in the classic architecture of its neighborhoods and homes.
S
an Diego’s rich history isn’t confined to its many museums and monuments. Called by some the birthplace of California, our area has since grown its population in cycles and spurts, with homes and neighborhoods following suit in the popular styles of their times.
This county is rich in charming classic homes, from Victorians built in the late 1800s through pristine post-WWII midcentury moderns that look fresh out of a Brady Bunch episode. And while they’re nice to look at, they can be a pleasure to own — and sometimes an adventure. A home’s historic designation may carry some tax benefits, but not without some tradeoffs. It’s worth doing your research before setting your heart on a place for its charm alone. Here’s some info and tips to help you decide whether a classic home is right for you.
Historic Holmes How do you find out if a property qualifies as historic? Historic districts — recognized by a patchwork of designations by our cities, county, state, all the way up
to good ol’ Uncle Sam — generally boast a concentration of classic homes. But a building does not have to be in one to gain historic designation, and location in a district doesn’t automatically qualify the home. What a building’s location does determine is which designating authority, usually the city or county, to whom the owner will apply to assess the property’s historical value. That decision depends on some basic questions, like: Is this building’s character representative of the neighborhood/region? Does it represent its architectural style? Was it designed or built by notable figures? Is it linked to other notable persons or events? Has it been noted or designated by another agency? A homeowner seeking designation should come prepared with as much of that information as possible. Often the prior owner may have shared some details or anecdotes, but the best way to make the case is with solid research. The Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO)’s guide at www.sohosandiego.org/resources/research.htm leads homeowners through the necessary steps specifically for the City of San Diego’s requirements, but the guide has tips for adapting the research for other authorities.