2454 Heritage Park Row
Old Town San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: 619-291-9784
 Map
This 7.8-acre county park is dedicated to the preservation of San Diego's Victorian architecture. Expansion downtown after WWII threatened these structures with demolition on their original sites. Public and private funds paid for the acquisition, relocation, and restoration of these buildings. Now owned by the county, the structures are leased to private and commercial entities responsible for interior renovation and operation in keeping with the park's Victorian theme. Wedding services, a doll shop, bed and breakfast inn, law office, antique store, and a community meeting place operate in Heritage Park.
The buildings and their styles include:
| Senlis Cottage (1896) Nineteenth Century Vernacular -- A modest cottage built for Eugene Senlis, an employee of San Diego pioneer horticulturist Kate Sessions. This house, without the amenities of gas, electricity, water, or sewer, is an example of dwellings occupied in the 1880s by working-class people. Park restrooms are located on the north side of the building next to the parking circle. The museum is on the west side of the cottage. |  |
| Sherman-Gilbert House (1887) Stick Eastlake -- (City Historic Site #8) This house was built and first owned by John Sherman, cousin of General William Tecumseh Sherman. The "widow's walk" and circular window are key elements of this, the first structure moved to Heritage Park, in the spring of 1971. From 1892 to 1965, sisters Bess and Gertrude Gilbert, patrons of art and music, brought internationally famous entertainers to receptions in their home. Among the artists were Yehudi Menuhin, Ernestine Schumann-Heink, and Artur Rubinstein. The Park Ranger office is located on the bottom floor. |  |
| Bushyhead House (1887) Italianate -- Edward Wilkerson Bushyhead, early San Diego sheriff, chief of police, and San Diego Union newspaper owner, built this house as a rental. The Italianate style combines double doors with glass panels, tall protruding bay windows, regularly spaced brackets, and a low-pitched roof. The Bushyhead House (along with the Christian House and the Burton House) was moved to its Heritage Park location in summer of 1976. Bushyhead, who was part Cherokee Indian, marched in the "Trail of Tears" during the displacement of the Southeastern tribes in 1838-39. |  |
| Christian House (1889) Queen Anne -- This graceful residence was constructed by Harfield Timberlake Christian, founder of an early San Diego abstract company. It is built in a popular late Victorian design characterized by a variety of chimneys, shingles, a corner tower, and encircling veranda. One critic wrote that this style "should be a restless, uncertain, frightful collection of details giving the effect of a nightmare about to explode." |  |
| McConaughy House (1887) Stick Eastlake -- The house is named for its original owner, John McConaughy, who founded the first scheduled passenger and freight service in San Diego County. His four-horse passenger stages and six-horse wagons operated between San Diego and Julian. |  |
| Burton House (1893) Classic Revival -- Pediments and dentil cornices inspired by classic sources mark this house. Henry Guild Burton, retired Army physician, built it during a trend that by the turn of the century began to eliminate decoration. |  |
| Temple Beth Israel (1889) Classic Revival -- (City Historic Site #82) San Diego's first synagogue, constructed by the Congregation Beth Israel, also became temporary quarters for many religious sects before they established churches of their own. The structure reflects the church styles of the late 1800s. The first services were held September 25, 1889. The county operates this building as a community center. Reservations for weddings, bar mitzvahs, receptions on the lawn, and public meetings can be made by calling the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation at (858) 565- 3600. Visit our Weddings web page for more information. |  |
Why they're worth saving
This park arose from the Parks and Recreation Department's commitment to the preservation of San Diego's cultural as well as natural resources. Had Heritage Park not been created, these notable buildings would have been lost to future generations.
The park is also an example of how the county works with community advocacy groups. Heritage Park was a joint project with Save Our Heritage Organisation, whose goal is to preserve San Diego's historic architecture. If you are interested in learning more about our rich architectural heritage, call SOHO at (619) 297-9327.
|
