Victorian Style in San Diego

When I think of San Diego architecture, the Spanish style and the early settlement history in the Old Town area come to mind first. Then I recall that I've seen other influences from the past around town as well.

From SanDiegoHistory.org:  "In the mid 1880s many of the more noted styles of Victorian architecture began to be built in San Diego. Lacy Queen Anne tower houses, tall narrow stick style, and classic Italianates dressed up the drab, dusty landscape of the outpost city."

Info from inetours.com about Heritage Park in San Diego tells of a rich architectural history. To improve the experience for visitors seeking an immersive cultural voyage in time, the county created an 8 acre park for the homes. According to the article, "seven buildings were acquired and relocated to Heritage Park over a period of 25 years."

When I think about it, an old home is like an old car. Sometimes old cars are fixed up to both look and run well. Typically this only has purpose when the old car is considered a classic. I happen to be partial to both the old Mustangs and Corvettes... the timeless muscle car appeal that proves to be difficult to replicate.  An old home is only worth relocating if it has historical significance and has not experienced too much obsolescence.  We all know the damage that time and wear can reap upon a wood-frame home, but restoration specialists can help turn back the clock. Hats off to owners and developers that see the intangible value in history, and set the pace for historic-architecture appreciation.

Although not in San Diego, this video shows an interesting look at how a home is relocated: