One of our favorite places, for a quick escape, is Coronado. Incorporated in 1890, it is home to several distinctive architectural styles which reflect different eras in the island's history. In May, I blogged about a virtual lecture I attended called a Bite of History: Coronado's Architectural Styles. It really helped me understand the uniqueness of this special place even more.
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| The City's layout c. 1887 |
The City of Coronado isn't big, only 32.67 mi², but it is bursting with incredible architecture and recognizes that there are unique and valuable resources within the community that reflect the City's cultural and historical heritage, and enhance community character. That's what we came today to discover.The Coronado Historical Association has compiled a list of 86 homes and sites that comprise the Coronado Historical Tour Guide (which we now own). To be included, the house or site must meet one or all of the following criteria to be considered a landmark: It must have significant architecture, it must be designed by a significant architect, a famous person must live or have lived there, and it must contribute to the history of Coronado.I came armed with a list of places I really wanted to see, beginning with Star Park. All of the City's 14 parks are historically significant as Special Elements of the City's history and are named for individuals who have made significant contributions to local history. Star Park was established in 1925 and is a circular are of land surrounded by Star Park Circle and was present on the original 1886 Coronado subdivision map in the shape of a star.This was my #1 must see. 1101 Star Park Circle was built circa 1897 by W. Austin Goodman and was designated as a Historic Resource for its association with significant individual L. Frank Baum. Author L Frank Baum wrote four of his Wizard of Oz books while spending ten winters in Coronado. The town and the Hotel Del Coronado were said to be his inspiration of The Emerald City. Who knew?This darling Victorian was built circa 1892 and was once home to important community leaders, Synove Volkman and H.G. Dow.This Colonial Revival (1935) was built by Paul Hathaway for property owner Henry Guilmette. The home was designated as historic for its as an example of the Colonial Revival architectural style, and as an example of the notable work of Paul Hathaway.This beauty, right on Ocean Boulevard, was built in 1908 by John D. Spreckels (son of the Sugar King) as a beach home, and later given to his son, Claus as a wedding gift. an example of the Italian Renaissance architectural style; and as a notable work of the architect, Harrison Albright.You don't need the guidebook to learn the history here. Almost every home is adorned with Historical Landmark plaques. So cool.Irving Gill is considered a pioneer of the International Style of architecture, using basic forms and a minimum of ornamentation. As an architect, his name is associated with numerous homes and buildings. He built this Victorian in 1887 and it is notable, also, for its association with U.F. Newton, and the Harlow Sisters (not quite sure who those important people are).Irving Gill designed this Prairie-style home in 1911 for Percival Thompson, the brother of "Big Bill Thompson", the former Mayor of Chicago. Both Steve and I commented on how much it looked like something by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Oh to peek behind these walls. Built in 1902 as the Walter Dupee Estate, Crown Manor has been home to politicians and played host to celebrities, presidents and military diplomats. Many deals have been made on the grounds that have bettered San Diego and California throughout time. The entire estate is recognized under the Mills Act Historic Preservation Program, protecting the architectural and historical integrity of the English 22,997-square-foot Tudor-style manor, which remains intact today. And when have you seen a wall get deemed historical? This brick estate wall was designated as historic with the designation of Special Element of the City's history, for its association with Walter Dupee. He had the wall constructed in 1914 at the perimeter of his entire estate. The Estate has since been subdivided, but the wall remains in place around the newer homes.
It would be interesting to see this Mission Revival as it was when it was built in 1926. It is huge! It is a notable work of the architect Richard Requa, and the builder A. E. Keyes.Interestingly, Mr. Requa had no formal training except as an apprentice under Irving Gill. He went on to create some amazing things, including Torrey Pines Lodge.I think the history of the Rew-Sharp House (1919) was incredible. LA architect Elmer Grey designed this home for George Rew, President of the Calumet Baking Powder Company. In 1926, it was purchased by the Sharps, San Diego investors and radio station owners. After their son was killed in WWII, they donate the entire Coronado property to the American Red Cross, which briefly occupied it and then sold it. Divided in 1946, this home currently occupies two lots, on separate streets. Wild, right?This darling home has an interesting story, too. In 1983, the historic Livingston House was ferried across the bay by barge from its original site in San Diego to its final home, here in Coronado. Completed in July, 1887 for Mrs. C. Morris Livingston, the house stood on a hill with a sweeping view of the city, bay and Mexico. Due to its similarities to the Hotel Del, it has the nickname, Baby Del.The star of the show really is the Hotel del Coronado (also known as The Del and Hotel Del). This historic beachfront hotel, built in 1888, is one of the few surviving examples of an American architectural genre: the wooden Victorian beach resort. It is the second largest wooden structure in the United States and is designated a National Historical Landmark. It really is something to behold... even from a distance.
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2 comments:
Wow. You were busy today! No surprise...
You visited the home of Spreckles, who built the Ca-Az railroad that went through Tecate and who helped transport people to Balboa Park during the Ca-Panama Exposition! And you visited an Irving Gill, who built the civic center/library/fire station in downtown Oceanside! That there would have been enough for me! So cool. Nice find.
We often forget to explore places like this close to home. So click my red heals, and 'there's no place like Coronado' hehee. Interesting about the Oz author, and the house that was donated to the Red Cross! Beautiful area.
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