Talmadge Park Estates Historic District

San Diego, CA

The Talmadge Park Estates National Register Historic District was a grassroots effort with the community, resulting in the establishment of the Talmadge Historical Society (THS). THS community members spearheaded efforts to research, identify, record, and evaluate nearly 600 resources. THS created a web-based database that volunteer field surveyors could access through their smart phone or iPad to identify and record existing conditions and character-defining features.

The crafting of the nomination was a joint effort between the THS and Heritage Architecture & Planning. The project resulted in the official listing by the National Park Service in 2024. The Talmadge Park Historic District represents an evolution of San Diego’s suburban development in the wake of the Great Depression and is now the largest historic district listed in San Diego County.

Previously, in 2018, Heritage provided historical monitoring for the restoration of the historic wrought iron Talmadge Gates that were installed in 1927. The project included the restoration of 18 existing gates and fabrication of one replica gate. Due to vandalism and poor maintenance there was significant damage and several of the integral light fixtures were no longer functioning. All electrical wiring and sockets were replaced and corroded pieces were replaced in-kind with a new powder-coat finish. The restored gates once again welcome visitors to this unique historic district.