The Greenest of Conservation Solutions

HISTORIC PRESERVATION By Alana Coons, SOHO San Diego pre•ser•va•tion – The activity of protecting something from loss or danger, an occurrence of improvement by virtue of preventing loss or injury or other change con•ser•va•tion – Preservation or restoration from loss, damage, or neglect sus•tain – To keep in existence; maintain The words preservation and conservation […]

If these walls could talk…. (updated)

Now that the dust has settled with the house and the Mills Act contract has been approved, it is time to start prioritizing other projects- the sidewalk, curb, and driveway apron need to be replaced, the lot needs to be landscaped, the patio needs to be tiled, the permitted structure in the back needs to […]

If These Walls Could Talk … Updated

A new owner adds their personal touches, San Diego makes it through the 60’s and some guidance on how to select a contractor. . . In 1960 the family I purchased the house from bought the property and added their personal touches to it with a foyer, additional square footage creating an eat-in kitchen […]

Just in Time for Halloween – Haunted House for Sale Isn’t Spooky

By Angela Colley @ Realtor.com You might think an old haunted house beset by ghost sightings, strange noises and apparitions would scare away potential buyers, but research has shown that such features can be a plus when putting a home on the market. Even “The Most Haunted House in Ohio” found a buyer. Franklin Castle, built […]

The Old House Fair 2013 San Diego

The Old House Fair is a FREE day-long festival on June 15, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring friends and family to enjoy festivities galore. Tours include free walking tours, a 1-hour Trolley Tour ($5), and the popular Historic Home Tour ($25). Find ticket information here. The Old House Fair is at 30th […]

10 Questions to Ask Home Inspectors

Before you make your final buying or selling decision, you should have the home inspected by a professional. An inspection can alert you to potential problems with a property and allow you to make an informed decision. Ask these questions to prospective home inspectors: Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the […]

If These Walls Could Talk…

The house welcomed new owners in 1926. The Taylors would keep it in the family until 1944. One of these days I will do some research on this family and share tidbits of their history with you. Work is coming along nicely, we are about six weeks out from final sign-off by the City! Notice the new […]

If These Walls Could Talk..

This little house would change hands quite a bit early in its life. The plot thickens sometime in 1924 when the Whitney’s, likely falling on hard times, transfer ownership to Helyn Trumer Young and then in 1926 she transfers title to Matthews E. Trumer and Myrtle Trumer. Unfortunately, preliminary research into Helyn’s past leads us to more questions than answers. It does appears […]

If These Walls Could Talk

In 1923 Ralph Whitney and his wife Edna purchased the lot and he is listed in the old 1923 directory at the San Diego History Center as living at a nearby address with a profession of “carpenter”. It is likely that Mr. Whitney built the house as no other builder has been uncovered and it was common in […]

Bankers Hill Historical Home Tour

:: RESERVE YOUR TICKETS :: Join me on Sunday, March 18th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM for this special tour of five showcase homes, four of which were designed by master architects G.A. Hanssen, Richard Requa and Frank Mead, Emmor Brooke Weaver, and William Templeton Johnson. Prominent gardens will also be featured. During the late 19th century, Bankers Hill became […]