If you go to the world-famous La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California (a neighborhood of San Diego), you can stand looking at the ocean and see this:
If you turn and look behind you, this might be what you see:
Those two houses, named Red Roost (top) and Red Rest (bottom), were built in 1894. They are the region’s oldest surviving examples of late-Victorian beach cottage architecture.
They were bought in 1967 by the La Jolla Cove Motel and Hotel Apartments, today known as the La Jolla Cove Suites. On adjacent land sat the La Jolla Bath House, demolished to make way for part of the La Jolla Cove Suites.
The owners intended to demolish the red cottages and build an apartment building. They met with community resistance, although the San Diego City Council withdrew its objection to demolition in 1975. In March 1976, the cottages were placed on the register of the California Office of Historic Preservation, an action that the owners knew nothing about.
That designation, a subsequent designation from the National Register of Historic Places, and the fact that San Diegans passed Proposition D in 1972, setting a height limit of thirty feet on new construction in La Jolla, have prevented the owners from developing the properties.
Since they could not develop the property as they wished, they evicted the tenants in 1977 and began what appears to be intentional and prolonged neglect.
There have been many plans over the years to develop or restore the properties, but none of them have come to fruition.
In 2010, the two properties were put up for sale at $10 million each. I’m sure the land itself in this location is worth $20 million, but the hassle of trying to develop or restore these two houses precludes any logical, sane person from spending that kind of money on them.
Historic structures are required to be kept weatherproofed and free of litter and excess vegetation. I’m not seeing that here and wonder why the City of San Diego doesn’t do something. This is so sad.
Well, at least the houses have new fences around them……..
Looking for real estate services in San Diego County?
I can highly recommend
James Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award, DRE #01458572
If you’re looking for a home inspector,
I recommend Russel Ray — that’s me!
I imagine the cottages will eventually rot away. They’re not exactly fine examples now.
LikeLike
I was really digging deep in my research here. There’s so much more that I didn’t publish, and it’s all so sad.
LikeLike
it’s a wonder they haven’t burst into flames at some stage. That would make it easier for the developers.
LikeLike
Fascinating for me to live near these things/places you so expertly blog about!
LikeLike
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Does anyone care enough about these relics. Perhaps the municipality should convert then to ladies and gents toilets? I assume they’re close to the beach…
LikeLike
They are too deteriorated to even be toilets, except perhaps for the birds and squirrels
LikeLike
That’s so interesting, and silly. But i get it. ya, the city wants them restored but at the owners expense and to their liking. They do not look worth keeping at this point to me. Make way for something new and better. Not everything has to be a keepsake. Imagine what a new structure will do for everyone = taxes, property value etc..
LikeLike
Yep. After 40 years of neglect, they have turned into a pile of rotten lumber. I found a report from two years ago where two contractors evaluating the property fell through the roof and the floor. Fortunately, they weren’t seriously hurt but it goes to show that these things are beyond being restored. Perhaps bulldozed and rebuilt….
LikeLike
It always seems that old historic buildings get lost in the maze of bureaucratic ineptitude.
LikeLike
Whoa, Darlene. What’s with all the big words?………….LOL
LikeLike
Beautiful sunset!
LikeLike
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Arrggh! Wondering why I hadn’t seen your posts in my reader for a few days. Turns out I have somehow been unfollowed from your blog! I am now a born-again follower.
LikeLike
So you liked me, then you didn’t like me, and now you like me again…………LOL
LikeLike
I will have to keep an eye out for them when we’re down next week. La Jolla is on my hubby’s list of places he wants to visit. 🙂
LikeLike
Remember that if you need a docent for a day, all you have to do is call and give me 24 hours notice.
LikeLike
Thanks Russel – really appreciate it!
LikeLike
Pingback: A visit to La Jolla, California, jewel of the Southern California coast | Russel Ray Photos
Move them?
LikeLike
Too expensive, and too much paperwork. Sadly.
LikeLike