Design Challenge:

‍To develop a master plan for a multi-year renovation and addition project for a 1925 Spanish Eclectic home, while ensuring eligibility for historical designation. The plan needed to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historical properties, preserving the home’s character while accommodating modern living needs through phased renovations and additions.

Physical Context:

‍Situated on a prominent park-side parcel in San Diego’s North Park community, this eye-catching 1925 Spanish Eclectic home is a cherished part of the neighborhood’s architectural identity. The property featured a deteriorated detached garage and an underutilized rear yard, offering opportunities for thoughtful reimagining while maintaining its historical integrity.

Solution:

‍The phased master plan carefully balanced modernization with preservation, ensuring the project’s longevity through and beyond the historical designation process. Renovations included a newly designed kitchen that opens seamlessly to a reimagined pool and spa area, acting as a bridge between the home and the rebuilt garage. The garage structure incorporated a guest suite that also functions as a pool house, enhancing the home’s livability and flexibility.

Small interior changes, such as updates to the kitchen and two bathrooms, were approached with precision, integrating seamlessly with existing historical features like windows and door openings. The rear yard was transformed into a cohesive entertaining area, thoughtfully blending the home’s Spanish Eclectic roots with modern amenities. Each phase of the project was meticulously designed to preserve the home’s historical essence while creating spaces suited for contemporary living.

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