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.

 

 

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

 

www.oldescondido.org