CITY OF LA MESA LAUNCHES HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY UPDATE

La Mesa, CA...In collaboration with the La Mesa Historical Society and assisted by faculty and students from San Diego State University Department of Anthropology, the City of La Mesa has begun work on a comprehensive update to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. Originally adopted in 1983, the Historic Resources Inventory is a listing of properties that have the potential to be eligible for nomination and listing on the City’s Historic Landmarks Register.  The Inventory has had only a few properties added since the 1980s, and since that time a majority of properties within the City are now over 50 years old.

The multi-year Inventory Update project will be carried out in phases, beginning with a city-wide reconnaissance survey. Students and volunteers will be canvassing neighborhoods as a first step to identifying sites that are potentially eligible. This involves collecting sidewalk-level information about property age, condition, and architectural merit. Supplementing the fieldwork effort, La Mesa Historical Society volunteers will be conducting research on the history of La Mesa’s neighborhoods and individual sites of interest. Opportunities will be available for residents to contribute their own knowledge, stories, and experience to build an inclusive record of the City’s rich history. 

Community-wide benefits of the Inventory Update include providing important information to property owners about the historical value of their property and fostering community pride and sense of place. A finding of eligibility can inform property owners about their options when considering alterations and improvements. Similarly, a conclusion of ineligibility can streamline larger development projects where environmental review is required.

The City of La Mesa does not intend to initiate any historical designations as a result of the survey, as local regulations require property-owner consent prior to conferring any landmark status. Property owners whose sites are identified as eligible for historic designation will be able to submit landmark nominations for consideration. Questions please contact Senior Planner Allyson Kinnard at 619-667-1196.