Save Our Heritage Organisation

06/20/2026

Looking for a memorable way to celebrate Father's Day? Spend the day exploring two of San Diego County's most fascinating historic sites!

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and historic rooms of the Marston House Museum in Balboa Park, where architecture, history, and landscape come together in one remarkable setting.

Or head to Warner Springs and step back in time at the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum, a former Butterfield Overland Mail stage stop and ranch that tells the story of California's early days.

Whether Dad enjoys history, architecture, gardening, photography, or simply discovering unique places, a visit to one of SOHO's historic museums offers a relaxing and memorable way to spend time together.

Because the best gift is often an experience and a few great stories to take home. Happy Father's Day from all of us at Save Our Heritage Organisation!

Marston House Museum & Gardens, Balboa Park https://www.sohosandiego.org/main/marston2.htm
Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum, Warner Springs https://www.sohosandiego.org/main/warnercarrillo.htm

06/18/2026

SOLD OUT!

Thank you! We’re thrilled to share that our opening Music at the Marston concert for tomorrow, June 19, is officially SOLD OUT.

If you already purchased your ticket—you're all set, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Marston gardens for a wonderful afternoon of music.

The response to this year’s series has been incredible, and we’re so grateful to our members, supporters, and music lovers for helping make our summer concert program such a success.

If you missed out on this first concert, there’s still time to join us for the remaining performances in this intimate concert series set in the beautiful gardens of the Marston House. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/music-at-the-marston-concert-series

Thank you again for making Music at the Marston such a wonderful community event. We can’t wait to see you in the garden.

06/17/2026

Lots of ways to support SOHO!!

06/16/2026

What a beauty. Check out this interior. Looking for a preservation buyer!

LISTING HERE: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4251-Ibis-St-San-Diego-CA-92103/16952752_zpid/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4251-Ibis-St-San-Diego-CA-92103/16952752_zpid/?mmlb=g,12

This 1300 square feet Single Family home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It is located at 4251 Ibis St, San Diego, CA.

06/14/2026

Chula Vista reclaims a piece of its past in acquiring historic Vogue Theater -After nearly two decades of vacancy, Chula Vista moves to revive the 80-year-old theater at the heart of its downtown

By Walker Armstrong for The San Diego Union-Tribune
June 14, 2026

After roughly 20 years of sitting dark on 3rd Avenue, the historic Vogue Theater has a new owner — and this time, it’s the city itself.

Chula Vista Mayor John McCann announced in May that the city acquired the Vogue Theater and its adjacent parking lot for approximately $2.5 million, setting the stage for what officials hope will become a music and entertainment venue, as well as a catalyst for the continued revitalization of downtown’s historic corridor.

The Vogue first opened in 1945 and served for decades as the primary movie theater in Chula Vista before closing in 2006. For many longtime residents, it was more than a place to catch a film.

“Many of us who grew up in Chula Vista remember going there with friends on Dollar Tuesday nights, taking our first dates there, and watching classic films,” McCann said. “The Vogue is more than just a theater. It is a place filled with memories for generations of residents.”

The acquisition came after years of legal disputes under private ownership. McCann said the city needed to “stop the bleeding from escalating outside attorney fees, break through the gridlock, and refocus our attention on what matters most, bringing new life to the Vogue and revitalizing downtown Chula Vista.”

David Graham, the city’s director of economic development, said a structural assessment of the building is currently underway before any redevelopment timeline is set. He cautioned against moving too quickly, pointing to the risks of rushing a project of this complexity.

“The worst thing in the world would be to move too quickly and end up in a situation where the theater remains closed for another 20 years,” Graham said.

He added that the redevelopment process will be public and transparent, and could involve a competitive solicitation of private partners with the right financial backing and vision.

Dominic LiMandri, district manager for the Downtown Chula Vista Association, said the Vogue has long represented something larger than its four walls for 3rd Avenue business owners and residents alike.

“It’s always been very much a staple of the downtown experience,” LiMandri said, noting that many local business owners still reminisce about seeing films there as kids.

LiMandri sees the theater’s revival as both an economic driver and a cultural statement — a chance to honor the city’s identity while attracting a new generation. “Being able to put live music in an older institution like the Vogue, I think it’s a perfect metaphor for Chula Vista where it wants to maintain its identity and it wants to see this new investment.”

McCann said his goal is to transform the Vogue into “a vibrant destination for entertainment, arts, and community events that will help drive economic activity and create new opportunities for local businesses and residents.

After nearly two decades of vacancy, Chula Vista moves to revive the 80-year-old theater at the heart of its downtown

06/14/2026

From time to time, SOHO shares historic homes currently for sale in hopes of connecting them with preservation-minded buyers. Sometimes we are asked to share a property by an owner or realtor seeking the right steward; other times we spotlight an important historic property because we hope it finds a buyer who values its history and character.

We want to be clear about our role. SOHO is not a real estate agent, we are not representing any party, and we do not receive commissions or donations from these posts. We simply share listings as a preservation courtesy to help historic homes find caring owners.

We share listings exactly as they are provided to us. We do not edit listings, verify claims, or research historical associations mentioned by the seller. We also cannot answer questions beyond what is included in the shared information. If a price is not included, we do not have that information. Interested parties should contact the lister directly using the details provided.

We are always happy to showcase historic houses in need of sensitive, preservation-minded buyers. If you have a property you’d like us to consider sharing, please send the information to [email protected].

Thank you for helping support preservation by spreading the word and encouraging thoughtful stewardship of San Diego’s historic places.

06/12/2026

Throwback to a 2020 story-still the same today. A powerful reminder from engineer Dr. Hossein Rezai: demolishing a building is not just a construction decision—it can have major climate impact.

Buildings are designed with a “life span,” but that doesn’t mean they’re disposable when they age or fall out of code compliance. In many cases, structures can be tested, repaired, retrofitted, and given a second life instead of being torn down and rebuilt.

Why does this matter? Because demolition and new construction carry a huge carbon cost. The emissions from building just one large high-rise can equal the carbon absorbed by millions of trees in a year. From that perspective, reuse and preservation aren’t just cultural choices—they’re environmental ones.

The takeaway is simple: before we demolish, we should ask whether we can adapt and retain what already exists. In many cases, the most sustainable building is the one already standing.

Read the full article here:

Dr. Hossein Rezai, Founding Director of Web Structures, presents the scientific argument

06/10/2026

Penning the Past Happening This Saturday!
Balboa Park’s Botanical Building
with Nancy Carol Carter
June 13 · 11am-12 noon

Few structures in San Diego are as beloved or as emblematic of Balboa Park as the Botanical Building. Opened for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and recently restored to its historic grandeur, this iconic structure reflects the city’s deep horticultural and architectural legacy.

Historian and landscape scholar Nancy Carol Carter traces the Botanical Building’s design, purpose, and evolution, situating it within Balboa Park’s broader landscape history while offering insight into the philosophy and challenges behind its careful restoration.

Author bio Nancy Carol Carter is a historian, writer, and leading authority on San Diego’s horticultural and landscape history. Associate editor of California Garden, she has published widely on Balboa Park and the legacy of figures such as Kate Sessions and Paul Thiene.

Insights into San Diego's Historic Neighborhoods and Architecture: Step into the stories of San Diego’s built environment with Penning the Past, SOHO’s engaging Zoom lecture series:
PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS
Free for SOHO members · $10 for non-members

HERE: https://www.sohosandiego.org/main/penningthepast26.htm

06/10/2026

Looking for a preservation buyer!

From the listing: "Rarely does the opportunity arise to own a residence within the iconic Brick Row Historic District, one of Southern California’s most historically significant architectural treasures. Originally commissioned in 1887 by National City founder Frank Kimball and inspired by the distinguished row homes of Philadelphia, this remarkable Victorian-era residence offers a timeless blend of historic provenance, rich architectural character, and enduring craftsmanship. Designated on the National Register of Historic Places and nestled within National City’s celebrated Heritage Square, the property showcases extraordinary period charm including dramatic brick construction, soaring ceilings, original architectural detailing, and an ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. The Mills Act tax advantages provide substantial property tax savings while preserving the integrity of this irreplaceable historic residence. Currently configured as two separate residences, the property also offers exceptional flexibility for a live/work lifestyle, presenting a rare opportunity to potentially operate a business while enjoying the comforts of owner occupancy (or just have a business solely or use as full primary or rental property). Complete with a charming front patio, private backyard, and detached two-car garage, this legacy property seamlessly blends historic elegance, modern versatility, and investment potential in one of National City’s most iconic architectural landmarks.:

LISTING AND DETAILS HERE: https://www.coldwellbanker.com/ca/national-city/906-a-ave/lid-P00800000HAtkOzWrfTwjGnMBP24Sn5rPc99ioSp

06/10/2026

Heritage Now! is a global campaign to harness the potential of built heritage for a resilient, climate positive and just future.

"There is no pathway to a livable climate without addressing existing buildings. Heritage-informed approaches to (re)use both avoid embodied emissions of new construction while reducing operational emissions of existing buildings and preserve sense of place."

There are many ways to get involved:

Join the campaign by adding your voice to a list of people around the world interested in bringing built heritage into the heart of climate policy.

Join a series of webinars this summer

Access the Decarbonizing the Built Environment through Heritage Toolkit which includes real world examples through case studies and offer ways you can implement findings in the work that you are doing. Available later in June.

Bring built heritage into the heart of climate policy. Heritage Now! is a global campaign to harness the potential of built heritage for a resilient, climate positive and just future. Join the global campaign Preview the Toolkit Why now? Most attention in policy is going to new buildings, but the ma...