Kensington Historic District
Since 2001, architectural photographer John Bare has documented numerous historic residential districts throughout Southern California. Today SoCal Landmarks is presenting selections from the Kensington area of San Diego. While some of the homes and buildings may be noteworthy on their own, the goal of John’s documentation, and our presentations, is to provide an overview of the districts and the variety of architectural styles that contribute to their distinction.
The Kensington area, San Diego’s best-known Spanish Colonial neighborhood, was originally part of Rancho de la Mission San Diego Alcala. The rancho land was first sold in 1885 and passed through several hands before a parcel of 157 acres became the property of the Kensington Park Land Company on April 8, 1910. The company divided and sold the land to developers, creating, in time, the subdivisions of Kensington Park, Kensington Park Annex, Kensington Park Extension, Kensington Talmadge, and Kensington Heights. Kensington Park, the oldest subdivision, was “opened” by agent William Douglas for the sale of lots on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1910. With 35 structures already designated as San Diego historical resources, efforts to create the Kensington Historic District launched in 2010.
San Diego, San Diego County
Photographer: John Bare
