Heritage Park in Old Town San Diego

Heritage Park is dedicated to the preservation of San Diego's victorian architecture. It's a 7.8 acre County park where buildings were moved when threatened by demolition and expansion of downtown after WWII. Public and private funds paid for the acquisition, relocation, and restoration of these buildings. Now owned by the county, the structures are leased to private and commercial entities responsible for interior renovation and operation in keeping with the park's Victorian theme. Wedding services, a doll shop, bed and breakfast inn, law office, antique store, and a community meeting place operate in Heritage Park. Also interesting is the early synogogue. The area is beautifully maintained and a good study in architecture for those who would not otherwise have access to such places. This park arose from the Parks and Recreation Department's commitment to the preservation of San Diego's cultural as well as natural resources. Had Heritage Park not been created, these notable buildings would have been lost to future generations. The park is also an example of how the county works with community advocacy groups. Heritage Park was a joint project with Save Our Heritage Organization, whose goal is to preserve San Diego's historic architecture. Heritage Park is available for weddings and meetings. Below are the seven houses in Heritage Park starting at the Temple Beth Israel and working counter clockwise through all seven structures.

Temple Beth Israel
The Jewish Temple was built in 1889 at a cost of $3,500, and it served as San Diego's first synagogue until 1926. It was originally located on Beech and 2nd st until the temple was sold to the county and moved to its current location in Heritage Park. It is open to the public.

Burton House
Built in 1893 by retired Army physician Henry Guild Burton. The colonial rivaval architecture was more common with Victorian homes built at the end of the 19th centurty. It was originally located at Grape St. and 3rd Ave. until it was sold to the county and moved to its current location in Heritage Park. It is open to the public during posted hours

McConaughy House
Built in 1887 by John McConaughy and his sons. His family was known for establishing freight service between San Diego and Julian. It was later sold to wealth philantropist keatings family. It was originally located on Cedar and Union Street. until it was sold to the county and moved to its current location in Heritage Park. It is open to the public.

Christian House
Built in 1889 for Harfield Christian and his wife, Christian helped form the city's charter. It features a Queen Anne style architecture. It was originally located at 1940 3rd Ave. until it was sold to the county and moved to its current location in Heritage Park in 1976. It is serves as a bed and breakfast today.

Bushyhead House
Built in 1887 by Edward Wilkerson, it served as a boarding house and source of income. He also owned the San Diego Union Newspaper. It was originally located at 232 Cedar St.. until it was sold to the county and moved to its current location in Heritage Park in 1976. It is serves as a bed and breakfast today.

Sherman Gilbert House
Built in 1887 for John Sherman, then later sold to Augusta Gilbert. She rented out part of the building as office space. The house was built in "Eastern Stick Style". It was originally located at 139 Fir St. until it was sold to the county and moved to its current location in Heritage Park in 1976. Today it serves as the visitor center and park office.

Senlis Cottage
Built in 1886 by Eugene Senlis, who was a gardener for a prominent San Diego pioneer horticulturist Kate Sessions. This house resembles a typical working class home. It was originally located at 1536 2nd Ave. until it was sold to the county and moved to its current location in Heritage Park in 1978. It is open to the public.

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