Historic
Escondido
Escondido History Center
Established in 1886, Escondido has a rich and interesting history.
The Old Escondido Historic District was the city's first neighborhood. The district's borders are Escondido Blvd to the west, 5th
Avenue to the north, Chestnut to the east and 13th to the west. Neighbors working together to preserve the historic character of their
unique neighborhhod formed a non-profit group that actively works to improve the Historic District in many ways. Their popular Mother's
Day Home Tour funds a quarterly newsletter for residents, as well as meetings and events.
The city of Escondido promotes preservation of our historic structures. The appointed Historic Preservation Commission meets every
other month in council chambers. A survey of historic properties that were 50 years or older was produced in 1988 and updated in 1992.
In 2001 an additional survey examined structures in specific areas of the city built between 1940 and 1955. It also includes
oral interviews of 20 local residentsl. A copy of the surveys is available for viewing in our office as well as at the Planning Department
in City Hall.
Escondido's Local Register of Historic Places was established in 1992. Homes, business properties,
signs, landscaping features and archeological sites are eligibile for this special designation. the Local Register identifies
resources that warrant protection. Local Landmarks are designated based on their exceptional architectural and cultural significance.
Local Register and Landmakr properties require the city's Design Review Board to review major alternations and must request City Council
approval for demolition. Anyone may nominate a property to the Local Register but the property owner must consent tot he designation.
Buildings are evaluated according to 7 critier and must meet at least 2 of the 7 to be eligible. Buildings on the Local Register are
eligible for the Mills Act, a property tax abetment program. There are 270 properties on the Local Register and 9 properties with
Landmark status.
Population figures by decade:
1890 541 (Escondido was incorporated
in 1888.)
1900 755
1910 1,334
1920 1,789
1930 3,421
1940 4,560
1950 6,540
1960 18,107
1970 37,900
1980 80,000
1990 110,000
2000 133,000