Design Challenge:

‍To create a comprehensive master plan for the renovation and expansion of a 1928 Spanish Eclectic home, including the addition of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and rear yard reimagining, all while pursuing historical designation. The project needed to align with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic properties, ensuring the preservation of the home’s character while modernizing key spaces.

Physical Context:

‍Situated on a prominent park-side parcel in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, CA, the property features a deteriorating detached garage and a rear yard that required reimagining to match the home’s historical charm. The house, with its Spanish Eclectic style, is an essential part of the neighborhood’s architectural fabric, and its preservation was integral to the project’s goals.

Solution:

‍The master plan balanced modern living needs with historical preservation requirements. Key renovations included a newly expanded primary suite, updates to the kitchen and two bathrooms, and a rear yard designed to foster entertaining. The kitchen opens onto a tiered outdoor entertaining area, connecting seamlessly to the new ADU above the rebuilt garage. Landscaping was carefully planned to define zones and complement the home’s historical aesthetic. All additions and renovations were designed within the existing street-facing footprint to preserve the home’s historical integrity, ensuring a clear path toward achieving historical designation.

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