Agenda packet — La Mesa City Council, September 10, 2024 (part 2 of 3)

Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page iii
B. CURRENT VIEWS
Photos 1-11
C. DPR 523 SERIES FORMS
D. REHABILITATION PLAN

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 4
I. INTRODUCTION
This Historic Site Designation Report (HSDR) is prepared for the Palmer “Darrell” Diamond Residence, located at 9353 Lemon Avenue in the City of La Mesa. The property is identified as San Diego County Assessor’s Parcel No. 495-175-04-00 and is located on Lots 10, 11, 13, and a portion of Lot C, recorded as Map No. 3028. This HSDR was prepared by Alexia Landa, BA, Historian of Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC (Urbana) to support the proposed designation of the home as a San Diego County Historic Site and to obtain a Mills Act Property Tax Abatement as part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the historic-era home.

The Diamond Residence was constructed in 1956 as the City of La Mesa was entering its last phase of development in the post-war boom with new residential tracts and modernistic Ranch style homes filling in newly annexed lands. Within this post-war development, small tract and custom Ranch style dwellings punctuated the new suburban landscape, replete with new schools and shopping centers to support the City’s growing population. Designed by the Diamond Construction Company, the Diamond Residence is one of only approximately seven properties constructed in the Custom Ranch style attributed to the company in San Diego and one of two known properties designed in the Custom Ranch style in the greater La Mesa area.

The Diamond Residence, located at 9353 Lemon Avenue, is a historic resource that qualifies for designation as a La Mesa Landmark under the City of La Mesa Municipal Code (Title 25, Chapter 25.03, Section 25.03.010). Under Criterion C the property embodies distinctive characteristics of the Custom Ranch style. Under Criterion D it is representative of the notable work of an acclaimed builder, the Diamond Construction Company. The period of significance under this context and criterion is 1956 representing the original date of construction. Over the years, minimal alterations were made to the subject dwelling. The attached rehabilitation plan lists future projects to rehabilitate the home to preserve the Diamond company’s original design intent.

All figures and photos, including contextual and property specific documentation, historic and current views, and Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) 523 series forms, and rehabilitation plan are contained within the supplemental attachments to the HSDR in Attachments A-D.

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 5
II. HISTORIC CONTEXT
La Mesa
The development history of La Mesa and the surrounding unincorporated communities of Mt. Helix and Grossmont, is divided into three distinct time periods, defined by a series of land tracts platted from the late 19th to early 20th century forward. Founded in 1869, the lands comprising the present-day City of La Mesa were initially within the boundaries of the former Mexican land grant, Rancho Ex-Mission San Diego de Alcala.1 The area, however, would not be developed until the American occupation of California with the arrival of Iowan “Robert” Allison.2 Robert Allison was a rancher originally from Ohio, who relocated from Northern California to San Diego in 1868. Soon thereafter, Allison began acquiring several thousands of acres of land throughout the county to continue his stock business. In 1869, Allison acquired roughly 4,282 acres of the ex-mission land grant on which he grazed sheep.3 The area’s natural springs provided an ample water supply to support ranching operations and proved to be a valuable location for Allison. Following the discovery of gold in Julian and the Cuyamaca’s in 1870, La Mesa was recognized as a convenient stop eastward for the transportation of people and goods.4 Allison continued to play a vital role in the early settlement of the area by investing and providing the right-of-way for the construction of the San Diego Flume and the San Diego, Cuyamaca, and Eastern Railroad (SDCE), thus helping bring both water and a reliable transportation corridor to the area in the 1880s.5
The construction of the flume in 1886 and the establishment of the railroad in 1887 would fuel land speculation in La Mesa and the surrounding area. Water continued to be limiting factor in the growth of the region. The construction of the flume supported more intensive agricultural operations and real estate improvements, while the railroad linked the once remote area from the coast to the east. In anticipation of a real estate boom, the San Diego Flume Company began selling and subdividing lands located along present-day El Cajon Boulevard between Rolando Boulevard and Garfield Street. In 1894, Allison’s son, Joseph Allison, and land speculator, Andrew S. Crowder, platted a small town around Allison Spring Station (located at present-day downtown La Mesa) and the newly formed La Mesa Lemon Company’s packinghouse and store. Soon thereafter, a new school was constructed to serve the area’s growing number of local citrus farmers and residents. In 1895, newspapers and periodicals referred to La Mesa as either “Allison Springs,” “La Mesa Springs,” or the “La Mesa Colony.” While small, Allison’s community marked the first phase of residential development in the area. The Rosedale tract (1895; Map No. 00825) was one of the first tracts established as part of the La Mesa Colony. The colony would continue to grow through the end of the 19th century attracting suburban developers and new businesses.

By the early twentieth century, the La Mesa Colony had transformed into a modest sized residential farming community, that had expanded outward to include numerous citrus orchards, packinghouses, health resorts, and a few film production facilities.6 The area was marketed as “San Diego’s Pasadena,” the “Jewel of the Hills,” and as east county’s “Homeland.”7 This became the mantra for suburban developers, as well as civic and business leaders, who advertised the La Mesa Colony, and tracts such as the Fruitvale Tract (1907; Map No. 01112), as an ideal location to live and raise a family.8 The area attracted new settlers, ranchers, and businesses, which included several hotels, a lumberyard, sanitarium, stores, and an opera house.9 Much of the residential and commercial development constructed during this time was designed in period revival architectural styles, such as Beaux Arts, Classical Revival, Spanish Revival, and the Craftsman Bungalow style. Citrus orchards and other agricultural crops soon surrounded the small community of 700 residents on every side, raising concerns for local control of their economic and domestic livelihoods. In 1912, La Mesa was incorporated as a city to alleviate these concerns. Steadily the new suburban city continued to grow, along with the communities of Grossmont and Mt. Helix. As the area continued to expand, new transportation corridors were installed in support of its residents.

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 6
In the mid-1910s, the construction of a new state route (present-day El Cajon Boulevard) through the area strategically positioned La Mesa for commerce and commuting, representing a second phase in La Mesa’s development. The route would become a major cultural and economic transportation corridor that was instrumental in the development of several small towns between the east coast and San Diego. In 1926, the route was christened U.S. Route 80 following the establishment of the United States Numbered Highway System. Its location through La Mesa not only stimulated travel through the area but linked the area with other communities located along the route as automobile usage increased through the region. As a result, La Mesa became a thriving commercial, civic, and social center not only for itself, but for outlying unincorporated areas, such as Grossmont, Mt. Helix, Calavo Gardens, Casa de Oro, Spring Valley, and Lemon Grove.10 In support of automobile operations, several roadside businesses were established along U.S. 80, such as service stations, motels, and restaurants. In addition to roadside establishments, residential subdivisions established in La Mesa during this time include Roseland Heights in 1912 (Map No. 01506), La Mesa Springs in 1915 (Map No. 00786), Eventide Tract in 1924 (Map No. 01781), University Tract in 1927 (Map No.02017), and the Wetzella Tract in 1928 (Map No.2083), all located within or in proximity to downtown La Mesa and U.S. 80.11 Land surrounding La Mesa proper continued to be utilized for agricultural operations.

By 1930, the population of La Mesa had increased from 1,528 in 1920 to 2,513.12 However, for much of the decade, the area would see little growth due to the Great Depression. The depression ended the real estate boom that occurred in the 1920s, leaving many residential tracts vacant. Newer tracts such as Windsor Hills, Rolando, and Fletcher Hills, were put in foreclosure while other 1920s developments were barely filled.13 The area would not experience significant development until World War II and the post-war era that followed. The Highview Acres subdivision (1936; Map No. 02205).

The third and final phase of development in La Mesa and the surrounding unincorporated communities is not punctuated by a specific land tract, developer, or transportation corridor, but by a style of architecture and the growth of the suburbs. Infrastructure demands and land annexations characterize La Mesa’s post-WWII period coupled with the development of comprehensively constructed residential tracts improved with dwellings in modernistic Ranch styles, replete with new schools and shopping centers to support the growing population. New suburban tracts developed or annexed to La Mesa included Mount Helix Avocado Highlands, Fletcher Hills / Severin Manor, Rasonia, Rolando Knolls, and Vista La Mesa.14 These new communities were connected by major transportation corridors developed in the mid-to-late 1950s including State Routes 94 and 125. Custom homes were constructed in the midcentury period with designs attributed to noted master architects and builders including Cliff May, Lloyd Ruocco, John Mortenson, and Homer Delawie.

As economical vacant land was consumed by new single-family neighborhoods, rising land costs in the older parts of town created a demand for higher-density cost-effective housing. This resulted in the development of infill apartment buildings in and around established historic-era neighborhoods.15 These infill projects were inconsistent in appearance and form and designed in a mix of minimal and Modernistic styles.16 New subdivisions such as the Diamond Tract (1952; Map No. 02885), Amherst Tract (1959; Map No. 04081), Martin Manor (1960; Map No. 04606), Parkway Center Unit No. 1 (1961; Map No. 04768), Parkway Center Unit No. 4 (1961; Map No. 04783), and Helix West-Unit No.1 (1966; Map No. 05814) were developed during this time. For many families La Mesa became an ideal location to live, far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet close enough to commute. By the 1980s, La Mesa had grown to a population exceeding 50,000. The area boasted a new trolley system, several institutional properties, and was a retail center, strengthening its popularity for businesses and families which continues to this day.

The City of La Mesa Historic Resources Inventory and Landmarks Table offers a glimpse of the greater La Mesa history. Designated sites represent each phase of the area’s development, with the majority

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 7
dating to the early development of the City. Refer to Table 1 below for a list of designated historic sites in the greater La Mesa area.

Table 1. Designated Historic Landmarks in La Mesa.

Year Built Identifier Architectural Style/Builder Address Landmark No. 1891 Albert W. Gray House Queen Anne Cottage
Builder: A. W. Gray
8045 Culowee
St HL No. 8
1894 La Mesa Depot
Vernacular
Builder: Not Listed 4695 Nebo Dr HL No. 6
1897 Roach-Porter House
Victorian
Builder: Not Listed
4990 Porter Hill
Rd HL No. 18
1898 Frederick & Marta Binney
Ranch House
Folk Victorian
Builder: Not Listed 8602 Echo Dr HL No. 43
1907 Spring House/Collier Park
Vernacular
Builder: Not Listed 4401 Palm Ave HL No. 3
1907 C. Clarence & Fannie Park
Home
Transitional Craftsman
Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed
4604 Date Ave HL No. 41
1908 Rev. Henry A. McKinney
House
Vernacular Folk Victorian
Builder: Not Listed
8369 University
Ave HL No. 1
1908 Frank Oliver House
Vernacular Queen Anne
Cottage
Builder: Not Listed
4657 4th St HL No. 9
1909 Miles House
Vernacular Colonial
Revival
Architect: J. B. Stannard
9390 Urban Dr HL No. 7
1909 Angell Residence Victorian Cottage
Builder: Not Listed 4630 Date Ave HL No. 50
1910 Robertson House
Transitional
Victorian/Craftsman
Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed
4572 Palm Ave HL No. 16
1910 James Morrison House Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed 8415 Grant Ave HL No. 10
1910 Staples-Orcutt House Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed
4576 Acadia
Ave HL No. 28
1910 Sherman Grable House Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed 4344 Date Ave HL No. 2
1910 Wentz-Park House
Craftsman
Builder: Not Listed 4603 Date Ave HL No. 14
1910 Harry & Vada Roberston
House
Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed 4582 Palm Ave HL No. 24
1910 Sidney Holland House
Transitional
Victorian/Craftsman
Bungalow
Builder: William Abbot
8463 Lemon
Ave HL No. 40
1911 Roehr House
Craftsman
Designer/Builder: Unknown 4646 Nebo Dr HL No. 53

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 8
1911 Ovid and Helen Thompson
House
Craftsman
Designer/Builder: Unknown 4517 Date Ave HL No. 56
1911 Harry Park House
Transitional
Victorian/Craftsman
Builder: Not Listed
8069 Lemon
Ave HL No. 4
1911 Orien W. Todd House Prairie Style
Builder: E. W. Stillwell Co. 8069 Vista Dr HL No. 11
1911 Reynolds/Lingren House
Craftsman
Builder: E.A.D. Reynolds
4554 Acacia
Ave HL No. 12
1911 McNeil House
Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: John E. Hurlburt 4612 3rd St HL No. 23
1911 Witter House Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed
4840 Schuyler
Ave HL No. 38
1911 Samson/Sprung Home
Arts & Crafts Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed 4544 Date Ave HL No. 46
1913 Rosebrock House Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed 4651 Date Ave HL No. 15
1914 John Stavely Home Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed 4628 3rd St HL No. 23
1914 James C. & Ellen
Robertson House
Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Harry & John
Robertson
4580 Palm Ave HL No. 17
1916 Ross Thiele Home Tract Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed 4572 3rd St HL No. 30
1918 Lyster-Garfield House
Craftsman
Builder: Not Listed
4725 Hillcrest
Ave HL No. 20
1921 Merle and Martha Frost
House
Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Identified
8459 Lemon
Ave HL No. 45
1921 Alfred Cook House Craftsman Bungalow
Builder: Not Listed
8465 Lemon
Ave HL No. 49
1922 Charlotte and John E. King
House
Craftsman
Designer/Builder: Unknown 4987 Colina Dr HL No. 57
1924 Judy House Cottage
Builder: Christian Lazarus 4572 Date Ave HL No. 29
1924 Orr-Lapum House
Transitional
Victorian/Craftsman
Cottage
Builder: Not Listed
4596 Nebo Dr HL No. 13
1927 Prather House Spanish Eclectic
Builder: Not Listed
4171 Merritt
Blvd HL No. 31
1928 Porter Hall Chinese Imperial
Builder: Not Listed
4910 Memorial
Dr HL No. 27
1929 Clifford Sawyer Home
Tudor Revival
Builder: Not Listed
4420 Merritt
Blvd HL No. 21
1930 Christian & Adelaide
Jensen House
Tudor Revival/Storybook
Builder: Not Listed
6750 Alamo
Way HL No. 51
1931 Bengston House
Tudor Revival
Builder: Not Listed 4646 3rd St HL No. 35
1932 Fouchy House Spanish Eclectic 7910 El Capitan HL No. 36

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 9
Builder: Alberto O.

Treganza
1935
Chester L. and Ann
Harritt/William H.

Wheeler/A.E. Dennstedt
House
Spanish Eclectic
Architect: William H.

Wheeler
Builder: A.E. Dennstedt
8406 Hillcrest
Ave HL No. 58
1935 Henry M. Lyons House Cottage
Builder: Not Listed
4871 Bancroft
Dr HL No. 5
1935 Dillon House Spanish Colonial Revival
Builder: Not Listed 9151 Dillon Dr HL No. 22
1935 Eugene & Katherine Hyatt
Home
Monterey
Builder: Dennstedt Building
Co.
4767 Mission
Bell Ln HL No. 39
1938 Lucretia Malcolm House
Tudor Revival
Builder: H. L. Jackson
9279 Fletcher
Dr HL No. 42
1938 Martin Christopher House
Mission Revival
Builder: Dennstedt Building
Co.
8505 Lemon
Ave HL No. 19
1938 Simard House Mediterranean Revival
Builder: Lilian Rice
9339 Lemon
Ave HL No. 34
1939 United States Post Office
Building
Art Moderne
Builder: Not Listed
8391 La Mesa
Blvd HL No. 25
1939 Jensen House Spanish Revival/Ranch
Builder: Henry H. Prebisius 9125 Dillon Dr HL No. 37
1943 Christopher & Marie Hinck
House
Mediterranean Revival
Builder: Not Listed
9397 Lemon
Ave HL No. 48
1950 Charles and Lillian Spitzer
House
Contemporary/Custom
Ranch
Architects: Lavinia Colgan
and Henri Jacot
7256 West Point
Ave HL No. 54
1950 Stanley and Virginia Scott
House
Custom Ranch
Builder: Jackson-Scott
Construction
9190 Brier Rd HL No. 55
1952 Cole Residence
Post-and-Beam
Builder: Lloyd Ruocco
5628 Nokomis
St HL No. 33
1953 Styles House
Ranch Kit House/Post-andBeam
Builder: Cliff May & Chris
Choate
8545 Chevy
Chase HL No. 32
1955 Wetherell Residence Contemporary Modern
Builder: C.J. Paderewski
8760 Alpine
Ave HL No. 44
1955 Adams Residential
Complex
Contemporary
Modern/Custom Ranch
Builder: John Mortenson
Landscape Arch: Wimmer
& Yamada
9425 Lemon
Ave HL No. 47
1956 Orlando & Marie Johann
Residence
Contemporary
Modern/Custom Ranch
Builder: Not Listed
4511
Miramonte St HL No. 52
1956 Diamond Residence
Custom Ranch
Builder: Diamond
Construction Co.
9353 Lemon
Ave HL No. xx

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 10
Custom Ranch Style
Constructed in 1956, the 9353 Lemon Avenue property is an example of a Custom Ranch style residence. During the 1950s-1970s period of development, the San Diego region was developed with Ranch style and Contemporary single-family dwellings, both within larger comprehensively developed tracts, replete with commercial, civic, religious, and public serving buildings, and as custom designs that infilled available parcels throughout the region.

The Ranch style house first emerged in the early 1930s, when in 1932, Architect Cliff May designed the first of its kind in San Diego. May would go on to design hundreds of custom Ranch style homes in the Southern California region, which he coined the California Ranch House, that would evolve into the traditional mid-century Ranch house we know today. Initially designed to be low-cost tract housing, the style was not intended to be eye-catching. Its low-profile appearance and plain use of materials was a precursor architectural style to the post-WWII homes that emphasized privacy and extended the Minimal Traditional-style aesthetic popularized in the 1930s and 1940s. In the 1950s, Ranch style homes represented sheltered privacy and a sense of security from the happenings of the Cold War, when civil defense needs stressed strength of the family and home as assets for the country. Throughout the United States, the Ranch style dominated residential tracts developed in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

Inspired by the sprawling Spanish haciendas scattered throughout Mexico and Southern California in the 1800s, but shrunken to individual 1/8 - 1/4 acre lots, the hacienda floor plan was adapted for modern living with stretched interior spaces in a linear, L-shaped, U-shaped, or H-shaped fashion, and embraced the outdoors through redefining courtyards and patios as out-door “rooms.” New meaning was given to the roles and locations of rooms. The kitchen was brought forward to the front of the house and the living room, because of the house’s shallow depth, usually opened to both the front and rear of the dwelling. Ranch style homes typically had open floor plans, combining the kitchen, dining, and living room into one communal family area. Sunset Magazine’s 1958 publication “Western Ranch Houses by Cliff May” further popularized the style.

Residential tracts developed in the 1950s-1970s period typically offered larger lots, lower and more horizontally oriented structures, and groupings of different shapes, planes, materials, colors, and textures. Rather than offering just one or two models, developers commissioned architects to design several basic floor plans and elevations for their home models, with each developer then offering custom upgrades relating to interior and exterior fixtures and finishes. As the suburban building trend continued, consistent with increased promotion of and reliance on the automobile, garages were expanded to accommodate two vehicles and the garage portion of Ranch style homes were oriented toward the street.

Builders advertised a variety of Ranch styles including Tract Ranch, Split-Level, Contemporary, and Custom Ranch. Tract Ranch homes are typically single-story, with several stylistic variations including Colonial or Spanish Hacienda. In hilly neighborhoods, the Ranch style is occasionally adjusted to accommodate a split-level or two-story home, in which case the typology is identified as a Split-Level Ranch or a Raised Ranch. This variation can be found scattered around San Diego in previously established neighborhoods such as Point Loma, Mission Hills, Kensington, Rolando, and La Mesa which offered gently sloping in-fill lots. Tract Ranch style homes often exhibit “Birdhouse” or “Cinderella” details, including gingerbread trim (a Cinderella feature) and dovecotes (Birdhouse features). Due to the mass production of Tract Ranch homes following World War II, examples of this style are abundant in the San Diego region.

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Historic Site Designation Report
Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC
January 2024 | Page 11
seeded aggregate paving. In addition to its use as a style for tract housing, the Contemporary style was ubiquitous in San Diego during the 1950s and 1960s as a style for commercial and other public-use buildings and streetscapes. The Contemporary style was widely used on major streets and boulevards throughout the region. These buildings display many of the same design features as Contemporary style homes, such as angular massing, varied materials use, and unusual roof forms, especially on freestanding commercial buildings.

Custom Ranch construction is differentiated from Tract Ranch and Contemporary Tract styles because these homes were typically custom designed with a specific client in mind. Designers of these custom homes include noted San Diego designers such as Cliff May, Richard Wheeler, C.J. Paderewski, and Weir Brothers Construction. Custom Ranch Homes are generally much more lavish than their tract counterparts; they frequently included a large, landscaped property, with a deep street setback creating a generous front yard. These homes may also feature larger garages, motor courts, servant’s quarters, expanded kitchens, and generous living spaces. Like Tract Ranch housing, materials and detailing are generally traditional. Typical exterior materials include wood siding, custom cut stone, concrete block, brick, and even adobe. Detailing may include paneled wood doors, divided lite windows, wood shutters, and prominent chimneys. Generally, Custom Ranch homes exhibit a high degree of individualization. These homes were marketed to moderate to high income buyers and offered “contemporary” styling, modern amenities, and sprawling floor plans. In the San Diego area, examples of Custom Ranch developments can be found in Del Cerro, Highlands, Alvarado Estates, College View Estates, Mt. Helix, and parts of Point Loma and La Jolla. Character-defining features of the Custom Ranch style are listed below and referred to in the City of San Diego Modernism Historic Context Statement.

Primary
• Horizontal massing, wide to the street.
• Typically, single-story.
• Custom details (wood shutters, large wood windows, or large prominent brick or stone chimneys).
• Prominent low-sloped gabled or hipped roofs with deep overhangs.

Secondary
• Sprawling floor plan frequently “L” or “U” shaped around a central courtyard. • Large, attached carports or garages.
• Expensive building materials (wood shingle roofing, wood siding, brick, stone, and adobe), more generous in materials and craftsmanship than tract homes.

Properties eligible for individual designation should retain distinctive character defining features historically present on the resource.

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Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 APN: 495-175-04-00
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Diamond Construction Company, 1927-1974
Founded in August of 1927, the Diamond Construction Company was a family-owned business established by Palmer “Delos” Diamond.17 Based in San Diego, the company specialized in residential architecture ranging from standardized plans to custom designed residences for low and middle income families. Under the leadership of Diamond’s two sons, Norval, a licensed architect, and Darrell, a licensed engineer, the company designed and constructed several single-family and multi-family properties throughout the San Diego region between the late 1920s and 1970s. At least 200 properties located in the Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, Point Loma, Bay Park, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Coronado, Lemon Grove, Encanto, Spring Valley, Little Italy, Talmadge, North Park, Escondido, and La Mesa neighborhoods of San Diego, are attributed to the family-owned business (See Table 3 below). Homes produced by the Diamond Construction Company were built in the Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival, Mission Revival, Colonial Revival, Spanish Eclectic, Minimal Traditional, and Ranch architectural styles. For much of the company’s history, they benefited from Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan programs and adopted the business strategy of buying vacant lots, and later subdivisions, to construct low-cost housing funded by the FHA. The company is recognized primarily for their work in the Bay Park Village, the “Garden Home” in La Jolla, and for the Diamond Tract in La Mesa.18
Born in 1871, P. Delos Diamond, the founder of the company, was a native of Illinois who relocated with his family to California during the 1920s. Between the late 1890s and early 1920s, Delos Diamond worked as a building contractor constructing high quality, attractive, yet affordable housing in and around the greater Chicago metropolitan area (Figure 1a-c). By the early 1900s, he established and managed his own company known as the P. D. Diamond & Company, later renamed Bright-Diamond Construction in 1920.19 Through his company, Diamond oversaw the construction of several single-family properties designed in the Chicago Bungalow style, an architectural style predominantly associated with working class and immigrant communities. Over the years, Delos Diamond established partnerships with prominent architects and builders, including noted architects William K. Johnston and Frank Lloyd Wright (Figure 2a-b).20
In 1917, Diamond worked with Frank Lloyd Wright in the development of the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods of Chicago (Figure 3a-b).21 The project was part of the American System-Built Homes (ASB Homes), a movement dedicated to providing high quality, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable homes to the general public.22 Spearheaded by Wright in 1911, the movement was based on more than 960 of his designs and consisted of standardized kit homes that were pre-cut and made ready to ship for assembly.23 However, while Wright’s attempt to bring better housing to the masses greatly reduced labor costs and waste, only about twenty ASB Homes were ever produced in the States of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.24 In Illinois, the Guy C. Smith House (10410 S. Hoyne Avenue) and the H. H. Hyde Residence (10541 S. Hoyne Avenue) were directly associated with Diamond and located within the present-day designated Ridge Historic District (Figure 4; NRHP No. 76000703). Although Delos Diamond had prior experience in the construction of affordable housing, his time with Wright helped shape his design ethos, which his sons would later inherit.

In 1920, Delos Diamond was hired by the Chicago Housing Association as the superintendent of the Chicago Housing Project (Figure 5a-c). The project was an experiment created to address the housing crisis in Chicago and was monitored by economists from all over the United States.25 As superintendent, Diamond successfully managed the construction of more than 175 homes near Chicago’s South Side neighborhood. The housing project was covered by major newspaper publications around the country, including the Washington Herald, Tacoma Daily Ledger, Chicago Daily News, and Los Angeles Times.26 His involvement in the project would later allow him to gain employment as a housing problem “expert” in Los Angeles, California (Figure 6a-c).27

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By 1924, Delos Diamond relocated to California with his family where he later established the Diamond Construction Company in 1927.28 Through the company, he constructed single-family and multi-family housing in the Los Angeles area where the Diamond family lived in Glendale.29 Early properties associated with the Diamond Construction Company were constructed in the Spanish Revival style and featured stucco façade, arched colonnade, arched windows, flat and gabled roofs topped with terracotta tiles, and attached garage (Figure 7a-e).30 In 1929, Delos Diamond moved to San Diego, while his family remained in Los Angeles, and began expansion into the San Diego market.31 In November of that year, the Diamond Construction Company constructed the 1245 Garnet Avenue property in Pacific Beach, the first property associated with the company in San Diego (no longer extant).32 The single-family residence would later serve as the Diamond family residence and company office (Figure 8).33 Delos Diamond continued to work in San Diego constructing single-family residences until his death in November of 1930 at the age of 59 (Figure 9).34 Following his death, Delos Diamond’s sons assumed control of the Diamond Construction Company.35 His eldest son, Palmer “Darrell” Diamond, had an engineering degree from the University of Southern California.36 The second oldest son, Norval, graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering in the summer of 1930 (Figure 10a-b).37 With Norval as the architect and Darrell as an engineer, they would continue the legacy their father started, constructing several single-family and multi-family properties throughout the San Diego area. Their youngest brother, Aubrey, and nephew Thomas would later take part in the business as co-owners.38 By the mid-1930s, the Diamond Construction Company had gained recognition as one of the leading building companies in San Diego. The company became known for their affordable yet high quality style homes, at a time when both the construction industry and homeowners were impacted by the Great Depression. From their office and family residence, located at 1245 Garnet Street, the Diamond brothers produced several standardized single-family cottage and bungalow house types (Figure 11ab). Averaging between $1,500 and $5,000, both house types were humble yet attractive, and within economic reach for the average income family.39 Many of the company’s properties were designed with characteristics in the Spanish Revival, Spanish Eclectic, Colonial Revival, Mission Revival, and Tudor Revival architectural styles. Bungalows typically featured a compact, one-story floor plan, stucco facade, wood-framed windows, flat or cross gabled roofs topped with terracotta tiles, and stucco chimneys. Cottages were generally vernacular in construction, compact, one-story, clad in wood clapboard, with wood-framed windows, decorative shutters, and gabled roofs. These property types were built predominantly in the Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach neighborhoods, but could be found throughout San Diego.

In addition to their standardized bungalow and cottage property types, the company also designed custom residences. One of the most notable examples of the company’s early work in the Spanish Revival style is the 2435 Marilouise Way property in Mission Hills (Figure 12a-b). Constructed in 1933, the dwelling is a split-level residence that features a street-level attached garage, wood casement and wood fixed multi-lite windows, cross-gabled roof topped with terracotta tiles, exposed rafter ends, a stucco façade, stucco chimney, pilasters, and wood spindles balusters. The residence resembles the Spanish Revival properties his father had designed in Los Angeles. The neighboring property, 2445 Marilouise Way, was also designed by the Diamond Construction Company and shares a similar floor plan and Spanish Revival aesthetic, despite being altered over the years.40 In 1937, the Diamond Construction Company participated in the Bay Park Village Model Home Exposition, a residential development located in present-day Bay Park (Figure 13a-b). The company was one of eighteen building contractors that participated in the exposition, which included the Dennestedt Building Company, Depew Building Company, W. B. Watson, A.R. Georgia & Son, C. H. Tifal, D. C.

Stevens, G. F. Samuel & Son, R. B. Lutes, Stanley J. Nash, T. J. Lords, Stallard and Oates, Carl B. Hayes, Joseph C. Kelly, Ira. M. Johnson, Louis Moisan, and P. M. Burroughs. Recorded as San Diego County

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subdivision tract no. 2209, the new development was established by Harold J. Peterson of the Peterson Realty Company and gained widespread publicity for its affordable housing and use of the “Neighborhood Unit” design scheme. The design concept was introduced in 1929 by noted urban planner Clarence Perry. The formula-like design was conceived as a comprehensive planning tool for urban planners to use to design self-contained residential neighborhoods within walking distance or proximity to essential institutional, commercial, and recreational-use properties.41 Following its inauguration, the Bay Park Village development was featured in the June 1937 edition of the American Builder and Building Age and caught the attention of FHA officials from Washington D. C. (Figure14).42 Upon inspecting the development, three ranking FHA officials stated that “Bay Park Village is a conspicuous example of planned community development faithfully following the recommendation of the FHA and its campaign to encourage home ownership.”43 Within the first three months of its opening, more than 40,000 visitors attended the Exposition to inspect 18 moderately priced homes of various architectural styles.44 The models offered were intended to appeal to “those with average salaries, wages, and other income.”45 Local building companies that participated in the exposition had the opportunity to present their FHA approved single-family designs to the general public. Visitors who attended were also invited to vote on the “Prettiest House,” earning the winner “a choice lot” as a prize. Winners of the contest included W. B. Watson (1st Place), Stallard and Oates (2nd Place), and Joseph C. Kelly (3rd Place).46 One of the dwellings identified with the Diamond Construction Co. was the 2935 Erie Street property for Mr. and Mrs. Archie L. Maclennan (Figure 15; no longer extant).47 Although the Diamond Construction Company was not among the award winning builders in the subdivision, their “Garden Home” in La Jolla would earn them individual local recognition.

In 1939, the Diamond Construction Company constructed the 5925 La Jolla Boulevard property in La Jolla known as the “Garden Home.” Designed by Norval Diamond, the single-family residence was constructed in the Custom Ranch architectural style. The design featured a sprawling, single-story, open floor plan, attached oversized double garage, terrace, chimney, walled-in garden, and emphasized one of the key characteristics of mid-century design movement by blending interior and exterior spaces to form a connection with the outdoors (Figure 16a-c). The property was advertised as a home “for those who wish to make the most of outdoor living, through the combination of terrace garden with regular living quarters.” The bed, living, and dining areas opened directly to the terrace or walled-in garden. Local newspapers praised the new home as “an example of what can be accomplished through the FHA home financing.”48 The property was open to the public and saw several thousands of visitors within the first week.49 In many ways the design concepts utilized in the construction of the residence were ahead of its time and were not commonplace until the 1950s. The “Garden Home” would later serve as a blueprint for the company’s Custom Ranch style designs.

While the company did construct some single-family residences in the Minimal Traditional style prior to the war, properties constructed during this time were simple, boxy, one-story dwellings, with minimal decorative details. The only distinctive example of the company’s work in the Minimal Traditional style identified is the 3319 Udall Street property in Point Loma. Constructed in 1940 prior to the war, the dwelling is a two-story residence with characteristics in the Colonial Revival style, and features a rectangular floor plan, stucco façade, low-pitched hipped roof, stucco chimney, fixed decorative window shutters, pilasters, and a central main entryway (Figure17a-b).

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During the 1950s, the Diamond Construction Company continued to build residential properties, many of which were financed by the FHA.50 The company developed three residential developments in La Mesa, Coronado Island, and Pacific Beach. Their most promoted development was the Diamond Tract in La Mesa. Established in 1952, the Diamond Tract was featured as part of National Home Week (NHW), one of the most widely observed housing festivals in the United States (Figure 18a-b). The event was launched in 1948 by the National Association of Home Builders as “a demonstration of ways the industry had modernized its practices and products.”51 Leading builders understood that the NHW had the potential to strongly concentrate consumer attention and encourage the purchase of new homes. The development was mentioned by the San Diego Union and the Evening Tribune, and it was the company’s first tract development. Identified as Map No. 02885, the Diamond Tract is bound to the north by Amherst Street, to the east by 68th Street, to the west by 69th Place, and to the south by Rosefield Drive (Figure 19a-b).52 Single-family residences constructed in the development were built predominantly in the Minimal Traditional style with transitional characteristics in the Ranch style. These properties are single-story with a horizontal massing, and feature low-pitched gabled roofs, a moderate eave overhang, attached garage, stucco or wood-siding exterior, and minimal detail throughout. Only the 4860 69th Place and 6959 Eberhart Street properties were constructed in the Contemporary Ranch style. The 4831 69th Place was one of the model homes in the subdivision that was featured during the National Home Week in 1953.53
In 1956, the company acquired property on Coronado Island and in Pacific Beach. In Coronado, 27 lots were purchased from the San Diego and Eastern Railway. Nine lots were located on Block 146, an irregular parcel bound by 3rd Street, Glorietta Place, and Pomona Avenue, and eighteen lots were located on the westerly half of Block 149, running from 2nd and 3rd Streets (Figure 20a-b).54 A total of 28 lots were divided and developed from the purchase (Figure 21a-b). Homes were constructed in the Tract Ranch style and shared an L-shaped floor plan, hipped roof, wide eave overhang, stucco cladding, and attached garage. In Pacific Beach, an 82.3-acre parcel was acquired by Norval Diamond on behalf of the company and developed as the Sapphire Terrace tract (Figure 22).55 Recorded as Map No. 3610, the subdivision was bound by Turquoise Street, Dawes Street, Tourmaline Street, and Sapphire Street (Figure 23a-c). The company constructed mostly Tract Ranch dwellings in the subdivision. The 1101 Sapphire Street property was the only Custom Ranch property identified on the development and features common characteristics in the style with minimal decorative details. The company’s most notable example in the Custom Ranch style at this time was the subject property at 9353 Lemon Avenue in La Mesa.

Constructed in August 1956, 9353 Lemon Avenue was built for Palmer “Darrell” Diamond. The residence featured a one-story rambling floor plan, board-and-batten siding, a low-pitched gabled roof with deep eave overhang, attached garage, recessed main entryway, prominent chimney, a large, landscaped property, deep street setback, angled windows below the gable end, louvered windows, and custom details such as a designated dark room and locally quarried stone visible on the dwelling and throughout the property. The property was one of the first dwellings designed by the company that incorporated several design elements visible in the company’s 1939 “Garden House” in La Jolla. Upon its completion, the dwelling exhibited a high level of individualization not commonly associated with other local building companies. In 1957, 9353 Lemon Avenue was one of seven properties featured as part of the Grossmont Hospital Women’s Auxiliary Home and Garden Tour. It was advertised as a modern home, with “a combination of painted concrete block, field stone, wood, and stucco,” and a “fireplace of unusual design.”56
In December of 1960, the Diamond Construction Company filed for articles of incorporation (Figure 24).57 By this time, the Diamond brothers had stepped down from the family business and retired. The Diamond Construction Company, Inc. was now headed by Wallace R. Rodgers, his wife Barbara, and Frank A. Woelke. Rodgers was a building superintendent from Vista and Woelke was a building contractor from Escondido.58 Their association with the Diamond family was not identified. Under their

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leadership, the company continued to produce single-family residences in the Custom Ranch style, though none would exhibit the level of individualization as the 9353 Lemon Avenue property. In 1974, the Diamond Construction Company ceased operations and is listed as inactive as of May 3rd of that year.59 Although the company is no longer active, their legacy in San Diego’s built environment remains in the homes they designed between the 1920s and 1970s. They are among several builders, designers, and architects who contributed to San Diego’s post-World War II development.

In 2007, the property was found historically significant as part of Islenair Historic District in the City Heights neighborhood and assigned a 5D1 status code (contributor to a multi-component resource that is listed or designated locally).60 Although no Diamond Construction Company properties have been individually designated, the company is significant as an acclaimed builder for their prolific work and emphasis on the construction of affordable housing during the Depression and post-war period in the tract and later custom ranch styles. Only seven known works by Diamond Construction Company were designed in the Custom Ranch style, two of which are located in the City of La Mesa. Within their portfolio of properties, 9353 Lemon Avenue stands out for its architectural quality and design and for its embodiment of the Custom Ranch style aesthetic.

City Directory listings for the Diamond Construction Company are included as Table 2. A list of the company’s known residential designs is included as Table 3.

Table 2. Newspaper & San Diego City Directory Listings for Diamond Construction Company, 1927-1974.

Date Occupation Listed Address
1927-1928 Diamond Construction Company 709 S. Hope Street Los Angeles
1929-1938 Diamond Construction Co., Building Contractors 1245 Garnet Street, Pacific Beach
1947-1960 Diamond Construction Co., Building Contractors 2003 Moore Street, Old Town
1967-1974 Diamond Construction Co. Inc., Building
Contractors
333 Beech Street
Escondido
Table 3. Identified Properties Attributed to the Diamond Construction Co, 1928-1972.

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Year Built
(Approx.) Address Architectural Style Source Extant
1931 1304 Garnet Ave
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, January 25, 1931 No Longer
Extant
1931 4840 Saratoga Ave
Ocean Beach
Spanish Revival
Cottage SFR
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, February 1, 1931
Extant;
Altered
1931 1175 Pacific Avenue
Pacific Beach Cottage SFR Evening Tribune, March 3, 1931 No Longer
Extant
1931 4669 Brighton Avenue
Ocean Beach
Cottage/Colonial
Revival SFR
Evening Tribune, April
16, 1931
Extant;
Altered
1932 1111 Pacific Avenue
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, May 24, 1932 No Longer
Extant
1932 3811 Kendall Street
Pacific Beach
Cottage/Colonial
Revival SFR
Evening Tribune,
December 30, 1932
No Longer
Extant
1933 2255 Froude Street
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, May 6, 1933 No Longer
Extant
1933 5630 Beaumont Ave
La Jolla Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Sep 8, 1933 Unknown 1933 4845 Marilouise Way
Mission Hills Spanish Eclectic SFR Evening Tribune, August 16, 1933 Unknown 1933 4445 Marilouise Way
Mission Hills Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Sep 16, 1933 Unknown 1933 850 West Upas Street
Bankers Hill Colonial Revival SFR Evening Tribune, August 31, 1933 Extant;
Altered
1933 5611 Beaumont Ave
La Jolla Mission Revival SFR Evening Tribune, August 25, 1933 Extant 1933 2435 Marilouise Way
Mission Hills Spanish Revival SFR Evening Tribune, September 12, 1933 Extant 1934 1148 Archer Street
La Jolla Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, January 8, 1934 No Longer
Extant
1934 4829 Pescadero Ave
Ocean Beach
Spanish Revival
Cottage SFR
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, January 9, 1934
No Longer
Extant
1935 3202 Isla Vista Dr.

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Year Built
(Approx.) Address Architectural Style Source Extant
1936
4866, 4868, 4870
Brighton Ave
Ocean Beach
Cottage/Colonial
Revival; Multi-family
Evening Tribune,
January 28, 1936 Extant
1936 4422 Coronado Ave
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, February 8, 1936 No Longer
Extant
1936 4884 Coronado Ave
Ocean Beach
Spanish
Revival/Bungalow SFR
Evening Tribune,
February 11, 1936 Altered
1936 4922-24 W. Point Loma
Ocean Beach
Not Identified; MultifamilyEvening Tribune,
February 26, 1936
No Longer
Extant
1936 4383 Montalvo Street
Point Loma Heights Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, March 17, 1936 Extant;
Heavily
Altered
1936 4673 Del Mar Ave
Ocean Beach Cottage; SFR Evening Tribune, March 20, 1936 Extant 1936 4665 Del Mar Ave
Ocean Beach Cottage; SFR Evening Tribune, March 20, 1936 Extant 1936 2965 Ocean Front
Mission Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, March 11, 1936 No Longer
Extant
1936 4679 36th Street
Normal Heights
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
Evening Tribune, May
23, 1936
Extant;
Altered
1936 741 W. Upas Street
Middletown Minimal Traditional; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, May 27, 1936 Extant;
Altered
1936 2937 Morena Blvd
Bay Park Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, June 2, 1936 No Longer
Extant
1936 4669 Del Mar Ave
Ocean Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune, June 9,
1936 Extant
1936 4405 Narragansett Ave
Point Loma Heights
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune, June
26, 1936 Extant
1936 4774 Del Mar Ave
Ocean Beach Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, Aug 4, 1936 Extant 1936 4438 Niagara Ave
Point Loma Heights Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, October 15, 1936 Extant 1936 2650 Strandway
Mission Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, November 17, 1936 No Longer
Extant
1936 2025 Bacon Street
Ocean Beach
Spanish Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune,
November 18, 1936 Extant
1936 2819 Goldfield Street
Bay Park Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune,December 2, 1936 No Longer
Extant
1936 4825 Coronado Ave
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, December 7, 1936 No Longer
Extant
1937 4269 Landis Street
City Heights Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, February 16, 1937 Extant 1937 4261 Landis Street
City Heights Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, February 16, 1937 Extant 1937 3693 Van Dyke Ave
City Heights Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, February 16, 1937 Extant 1937 2012 Guizot St
Point Loma Heights
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune,
February 18, 1937 Extant
1937 4476 Narragansett Ave
Point Loma Heights Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, February 26, 1937
Extant;
Altered
1937 4747 Long Branch Ave
Ocean Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune, March
6, 1937
Extant;
Altered
1937 4642 Voltaire St
Ocean Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune, March
24, 1937 Extant

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Year Built
(Approx.) Address Architectural Style Source Extant
1937 5157-63 Cape May
Ocean Beach Cottage; Multi-family Evening Tribune, March 26, 1937 No Longer
Extant
1937 5129 Muir Ave
Ocean Beach Cottage SFR Evening Tribune, April 1, 1937
No Longer
Extant
1937 4865-7 Brighton Ave
Ocean Beach
Cottage Court; MultifamilyEvening Tribune, April
21, 1937
No Longer
Extant
1937 1780-92 Bacon Street
Ocean Beach Cottage; Multi-family San Diego & Daily Bee, April 24, 1937 Extant;
Altered
1937
703 San Jose Pl / 3795
Ocean Front Walk
Mission Beach
Cottage Court; Multifamily Evening Tribune, May 4,
1937 Extant
1937 4920-24 Brighton Ave
Ocean Beach
Cottage Court; MultifamilySan Diego & Daily Bee,
May 7, 1937 Extant
1937 5184-85 Cape May Ave
Ocean Beach
Not Identified; MultifamilyEvening Tribune, May
13, 1937
No Longer
Extant
1937 718 Asbury Court
Mission Beach
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
Evening Tribune, May
08, 1937 Extant
1937 1245 Felspar Street
Pacific Beach Cottage SFR Evening Tribune, August 13, 1937 No Longer
Extant
1937 1261 Felspar Street
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, August 13, 1937 Extant 1937 1177 Oliver Ave
Pacific Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
San Diego Union,
September 14, 1937 Extant
1937 1173 Pacific Beach Dr
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, October 21, 1937 No Longer
Extant
1937 5144 Cape May St
Ocean Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune,
November 5, 1937
Extant;
Altered
1937 1767 Grand Ave
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, November 18, 1937 No Longer
Extant
1937 4912 W. Pt. Loma Blvd
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego & Daily Bee, May 27, 1937 No Longer
Extant
1938 5026-32 Cape May Ave
Ocean Beach
Cottages Court; MultifamilyEvening Tribune,
January 18, 1938 Extant
1938 5059 Del Monte Ave
Ocean Beach Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, Feb 7, 1938 Extant;
Altered
1938 4639 Pico St
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, March 9, 1938 No Longer
Extant
1938 2105 Torrey Pines
La Jolla Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, March 23, 1938 No Longer
Extant
1938 5091 Santa Monica
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, March 29, 1938 No Longer
Extant
1938 4608 Long Branch Ave
Ocean Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
Evening Tribune, April
21, 1938 Extant
1938 5050 Cape May Ave
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego & Daily Bee, June 10, 1938 No Longer
Extant
1938 4518-22 Saratoga Ave
Point Loma Heights Cottage; Multi-family Evening Tribune, July 21, 1938 Extant;
Altered
1938 4811 Newport Ave
Ocean Beach
Not Identified;
Commercial Bldg.

Evening Tribune, August
1, 1938
No Longer
Extant
1938 4850 Del Monte
Ocean Beach Cottage; SFR San Diego & Daily Bee, September 22, 1938 No Longer
Extant
1938 4030 Haines St
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego & Daily Bee, October 18, 1938 No Longer
Extant
1938 2728-30 Wightman
North Park
Minimal Traditional;
Duplex
Evening Tribune,
November 17, 1938 Extant

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Year Built
(Approx.) Address Architectural Style Source Extant
1938 880 Law St
Pacific Beach Cottage; SFR Evening Tribune, December 30, 1938 No Longer
Extant
1939 4474 Haines St
Pacific Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage; SFR
Evening Tribune,
January 30, 1939 Extant
1939 5925 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla Custom Ranch SFR Evening Tribune, February 1, 1939 Extant;
Altered
1939 4385 Narragansett Ave
Point Loma Heights Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, June 11, 1939 Extant
1939 3345 Lucinda St
La Playa Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, June 29, 1939 No Longer
Extant
1939 724 Windemere Ct
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR Evening Tribune, August 24, 1939 No Longer
Extant
1940 3319 Udall Street
Loma Portal
Minimal
Traditional/Colonial
Revival SFR
Tribune-Sun, March 5,
1940 Extant
1940 4910-16 Del Monte
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
Evening Tribune, April
12, 1940
Extant;
Altered
1940 1505 Willow Street
Rose-Fleet Ridge Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, April 17, 1940 Extant;
Altered
1940 4881-85 Santa Cruz Ave
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
Tribune-Sun, April 27,
1940 Extant
1940 2168 Kettner Blvd
Little Italy
Not Identified; MultifamilySan Diego & Daily Bee,
May 11, 1940
No Longer
Extant
1940 4772-74 Narragansett
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
San Diego & Daily Bee,
June 25, 1940
Extant;
Altered
1940 4815-17 Orchard Ave
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
Tribune-Sun, June 31,
1940
Extant;
Altered
1940 1960 Wilbur Ave
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego & Daily Bee, Aug 21, 1940 No Longer
Extant
1940 917-23 W. Ivy Street
Little Italy
Not Identified; MultifamilyTribune-Sun, September
11, 1940
No Longer
Extant
1940 5076 Long Branch Ave
Ocean Beach
Colonial Revival
Cottage SFR
San Diego & Daily Bee,
October 30, 1940 Extant
1940 4966-72 Narragansett
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family Duplex
San Diego & Daily Bee,
November 8, 1940 Extant
1941 4744-46 Orchard Ave
Ocean Beach
Bungalow Court; Multifamily San Diego & Daily Bee,
January 9, 1941 Extant
1941 4913-23 1/2 Saratoga
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
San Diego & Daily Bee,
January 29, 1941
Extant;
Altered
1941 2073-81 Bacon Street
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego & Daily Bee,
April 30, 1941 Extant
1941 1453 G St
Downtown Commercial Bldg. San Diego & Daily Bee, March 12, 1941 No Longer
Extant
1941 6664-66 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
San Diego & Daily Bee,
March 27, 1941 Extant
1941 4983-85 Brighton Street
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, Sept 27, 1941 Extant
1946 342-356 Nautilus St
La Jolla
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family Duplex
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, Sept 28, 1946 Extant
1946 6329 Electric Ave
La Jolla Minimal Traditional; SFR San Diego & Daily Bee, October 10, 1946 Extant 1946 3653 Logan Ave
Barrio Logan Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, October 26, 1946 Extant 1946 1103 Law Street
La Jolla Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Dec 18, 1946 Extant

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Year Built
(Approx.) Address Architectural Style Source Extant
1947 4352 Niagara Ave
Point Loma Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & DailyBee, Jan 4, 1947 No Longer
Extant
1947 2142 Grand Ave
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & DailyBee, Jan 23, 1947 No Longer
Extant
1947 4666 Lotus Street
Ocean Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & DailyBee, Feb 5, 1947 Extant 1947 1151 Pacific Beach Dr
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & DailyBee, August 14, 1947 No Longer
Extant
1947 4821-27 Brighton Ave
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, October 18, 1947 Extant
1947 1122 Missouri Street
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Oct 28, 1947 Extant 1947 6636 Electric Ave
La Jolla Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, December 12, 1947 Extant;
Altered
1947-48 942-48 & 950-56 Felspar
Pacific Beach
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
San Diego & Daily Bee,
December 25, 1947 Extant
1948 3406 Tennyson St
Loma Portal Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego & Daily Bee, August 25, 1948 Extant;
Heavily
Altered
1948 1127 Loring St
Ocean Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, November 17, 1948 Extant 1948 5085 Fanuel St
Pacific Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, December 31, 1948 No Longer
Extant
1949 2050-56 2nd Ave
Bankers Hill
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, January 29, 1949 Extant
1949 3760-62 Birch St
National City
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, Feb 5, 1949 Extant
1949 2449 E Street
Golden Hill Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union, Apr 4, 1949 Extant;
Altered
1949 5011 Narragansett Ave
Ocean Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, June 1, 1949 Extant
1949 3025 McCall St
La Playa
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
San Diego Union, July 1,
1949 Extant
1949 971-979 D Ave
Coronado Island
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
Coronado Eagle and
Journal, October 6, 1949 Extant
1949 440-448 Orange Ave
Coronado Island
Minimal Traditional;
Multi-family
Coronado Eagle and
Journal, July 7, 1949
No Longer
Extant
1949 842 Missouri Street
Pacific Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, July 10, 1949 Extant
1949 4199-25 Wabash
City Heights
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, July 10, 1949
Extant;
Altered
1949 1778 Bacon Street
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, July 10, 1949 Extant
1949 440 Orange Ave
Coronado
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, July 10, 1949
No Longer
Extant
1949 710 Missouri St
Pacific Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Union & Daily
Bee, July 10, 1949 Extant
1949 1827 Grand Avenue
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union, November 6, 1949 Extant 1950 7270 Mt Vernon
Lemon Grove Minimal Traditional SFR Tribune-Sun, January 11, 1950 Extant 1950 2507 54th Street
Oak Park Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, March 2, 1950 Extant;
Altered
1950 3967 Massachusetts
La Mesa Minimal Traditional SFR Tribune-Sun, March 15, 1950 Extant

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Year Built
(Approx.) Address Architectural Style Source Extant
1950 2236 Commonwealth
North Park Minimal Traditional SFR Tribune-Sun, March 16, 1950 Extant 1950 4320 Gordon Way
La Mesa Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, April 21, 1950 Extant 1950 4949 Kendall St
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR Tribune-Sun, April 25, 1950 Extant 1950 1626 Oliver Ave
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Evening Tribune, May 31, 1950 Extant 1950 834-40 Missouri St
Ocean Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego Evening
Tribune, May 31, 1950 Extant
1950 1575 Catalina Blvd
Point Loma Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Evening Tribune, May 31, 1950 Extant 1950 1293 Alexandria Dr
Point Loma Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Evening Tribune, June 13, 1950 Extant;
Altered
1950 10512 Madrid Way
Spring Valley Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Jun 29, 1950 Extant;
Altered
1950 1045 Turquoise St
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, August 10, 1959 Extant;
Heavily
Altered
1950 4930 Emelene St
Pacific Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Dec 19, 1950 Extant 1950 5083 Santa Monica Av
Ocean Beach Not Identified; SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Dec 19, 1950 Extant 1950 2383 Etiwanda St
Ocean Beach Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, Dec 23, 1950 Extant 1950 1515 Tarbox St
Encanto Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, December 29, 1950 Extant 1951 960 A Ave
Coronado Island Not Identified; SFR
Coronado Eagle and
Journal, January 18,
1951
No Longer
Extant
1951 856 E Ave
Coronado Island Not Identified; SFR Coronado Eagle and Journal, Feb 1, 1951 No Longer
Extant
1951 4670 Mississippi St
University Heights Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, April 25,1951 Extant 1951 7076 Amherst St
College Area Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, May 21, 1951 Extant 1951 3203 53rd St
Oak Park Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, May 23,1951 Extant 1951 4335 Ingulf St
Bay Park Minimal Traditional SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, December 29, 1950 Extant 1951 5131 Marlborough
Kensington Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, July 27, 1951 No Longer
Extant
1951 3845 Ocean View Blvd
Mountain View Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, November 28, 1951 Extant 1951 7242 Mohawk St
College Area Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune,November 28, 1951 Extant 1952 3611-13 Boston Ave
Barrio Logan Duplex; Multi-family San Diego and Daily Bee, July 13, 1952 No Longer
Extant
1952 850-56 Missouri St
Pacific Beach
Minimal Traditional
Duplex; Multi-family
San Diego and Daily
Bee, July 13, 1952 Extant
1952 3767 Wawona Dr
Point Loma Minimal Traditional SFR Evening Tribune, July 25, 1952 Extant 1952 720 Pomona Ave
Coronado Island Tract Ranch SFR Coronado Eagle and Journal, Nov 13, 1952 Extant

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Year Built
(Approx.) Address Architectural Style Source Extant
1952 4871 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
San Diego Union,
November 16, 1952 Extant
1952 4873 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
San Diego Union,
November 16, 1952 Extant
1952 4851 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
San Diego Union,
November 16, 1952 Extant
1952 4841 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
San Diego Union,
November 16, 1952 Extant
1952 4831 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
San Diego Union,
November 16, 1952 Extant
1954 6959 Eberhart St
La Mesa
Contemporary SFR
Diamond Tract
San Diego & Daily Bee,
August 29, 1954 Extant
1953 6949 Eberhart St
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 6939 Eberhart St
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953
Extant;
Altered
1953 6929 Eberhart St
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 6919 Eberhart St
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 6940 Eberhart St
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 6940 Eberhart St
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 4840 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 4850 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 4860 69th Place
La Mesa
Contemporary SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 4870 69th Place
La Mesa
Minimal Traditional SFR
Diamond Tract
Evening Tribune, April 4,
1953 Extant
1953 853 H Ave
Coronado Island Not Identified; SFR Coronado Eagle and Journal, Feb 12, 1953 No Longer
Extant
1954 1314 Fifth St
Coronado Island Minimal Traditional SFR Coronado Eagle and Journal, Feb 12, 1953 Extant 1956 9353 Lemon Ave
La Mesa Custom Ranch SFR San Diego Union & Daily Bee, April 21, 1956 Extant 1958 1101 Sapphire
Pacific Beach Custom Ranch SFR Evening Tribune, March 28, 1958 Extant 1958 1134 Sapphire
Pacific Beach Tract Ranch SFR Evening Tribune, March 28, 1958 Extant 1958 1163 Sapphire
Pacific Beach Tract Ranch SFR Evening Tribune, November 17, 1958 Extant 1967 9345 Lemon Ave
La Mesa Custom Ranch SFR Extant
1969 125N. Encanto Rd
Escondido Minimal Traditional SFR Times Advocate, Aug 13, 1969 Extant 1972 550 Idaho Ave
Escondido Custom Ranch SFR Times Advocate, February 6, 1972 Extant 1972 520 Idaho Ave
Escondido Custom Ranch SFR Times Advocate, May 5, 1972 Extant 1972 540 Idaho Ave
Escondido Custom Ranch SFR Times Advocate, May 5, 1972 Extant

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Diamond Residence | 9353 Lemon Avenue
Born on January 26, 1903, Palmer “Darrell” Diamond was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and the son of Palmer “Delos” Diamond and Essa A. Eberhart.61 Better known as Darrell, he was the eldest of four children which included Mildred E. Diamond (b. 1905), Norval W. Diamond (b. 1907), and Aubrey E.

Diamond (b. 1912).62 Diamond spent much of his early life in Chicago, where he was initially exposed to major inner-city housing issues and influenced by his father’s work as a building contractor. His father owned a local building company in the area known in the Chicago area as the P. D. Diamond & Company, later renamed Bright-Diamond Construction in 1920.63 Between 1897 and 1924, his father’s company is credited with the construction of several single-family properties throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Over the years, his father established partnerships with prominent architects and builders, including William K. Johnston and Frank Lloyd Wright.64 In 1924, his father relocated the family to Los Angeles, California, where he established the Diamond Construction Company in 1927.65 Likely influenced by his father’s role in the building industry, Diamond enrolled at the University of Southern California, where he obtained a degree in engineering in 1928.66 Following his graduation, Diamond found employment as a structural engineer with the Austin Manufacturing Company of Los Angeles. The company was known for its innovation and resourcefulness in the field of aviation.67 Diamond was one of the structural engineers involved in the construction of the Boeing Airport in Burbank, today known as the Hollywood Burbank Airport.68 Upon its completion in 1930, the airport was considered the world’s first million-dollar airport facility and the largest commercial airport in the greater Los Angeles area until it was surpassed by the Los Angeles Airport in 1946.69
In November of 1929, Diamond married Janis Fesler of Foley, Alabama (Figure 25a-b).70 Born in 1908, Janis was the daughter of Frank Fesler of New York and Kate Dresback of Ohio.71 Her father was a newspaper editor and founder of a local newspaper in Foley known as The Onlooker.72 Through her maternal side she was the granddaughter of William S. Dresback, a former United States Marshall.73 In 1918, her family relocated to the town of Owensmouth in Los Angeles County, present-day Canoga Park, where her father was hired as the editor of the Owensmouth Gazette.74 In 1928, she attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and graduated with a specialization in clothing design from the Frank Wiggin Trade School in Los Angeles.75 Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Diamond would continue to reside in Los Angeles until 1930, following Delos Diamond’s death. Together they would have three children: Palmer “Dale” Diamond (b.1931), Alan F. Diamond (b.1935), and Susan “Sue” Diamond (b. 1946).76
In November of 1930, Diamond and his younger brother Norval assumed control of the Diamond Construction Company and relocated to San Diego County where his father had already started building a reputation for the company.77 His brother Norval was an architectural engineer who graduated from the University of Southern California in June of 1930.78 Together they would go on to construct more than 200 single-family and multi-family properties throughout the San Diego area. His younger brother Aubrey and his nephew Thomas would later join the business by the late 1940s. 79 Mr. and Mrs. Diamond initially resided at 1245 Garnet Ave in Pacific Beach. The residence was constructed by the Diamond Construction Company under his father’s management in 1929. During their time at the property, Mrs. Diamond become an active member of the community serving as President of the Pacific Beach Women’s Club between 1936 and 1938 (Figure 26a-b).80 In 1937, under Mrs. Diamond’s leadership, the club honored the Kate O. Sessions, the Mother of Balboa Park for her horticultural contributions in San Diego.81 In addition to her work with the women’s club, she was also an instructor at the Y.M.C.A, as a “beauty specialist” teaching women’s fashion during the Depression when women were refashioning old clothes to make them into something new. By the early 1940s, she turned to art and served as an executive board member of the San Diego Fine Arts Gallery and on the board of the La Jolla Art Gallery (Figure 27a-c).82 Her medium of choice was both oil and watercolors

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and she was known for her seascapes and Balinese paintings. Mrs. Diamond’s artwork was exhibited in several art shows and galleries, including the La Jolla Art Center and Laguna Beach Art Gallery. In 1941, she received an “Honorable Mention” by the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park.83 By the 1950s, Mrs. Diamond would go on to experiment in photography.

By 1948, the couple relocated to Lakeside in east county.84 Soon thereafter, the company office was moved to 2003 Moore Street in Old Town. Following the move, the company began to construct singlefamily residences in the La Mesa area, at a time when the area was experiencing exponential suburban growth during the post-war era. This may have motivated Mr. and Mrs. Diamond to acquire the subject property on Lemon Avenue sometime during the 1950s, as they recognized the area’s potential for growth and as an opportunity to showcase the Diamond company’s custom designs. The property originally encompassed portions of Lots 10-14 and C and was approximately 0.77-acres in size. At the time of construction, the La Mesa area was entering a final phase in development with the construction of residential tracts and modernistic Ranch style dwellings. Much of the area east of La Mesa proper, and east of present-day California State Route 125, remained relatively underdeveloped and agricultural, therefore becoming a logical area to construct a sprawling, custom designed, single-family residence of their liking.

In 1956, the Diamond residence was constructed on the south side of Lemon Avenue, on a large expansive lot surrounded by several acres of agricultural land.85 It was the perfect location for a custom home that emphasized space, recreation, and leisure, offering a resort-like respite near the city. The house was designed in the Custom Ranch style and featured a one-story rambling floor plan, boardand-batten siding, a low-pitched gabled roof with deep eave overhang, attached two-car garage, recessed main entryway, prominent chimney, a large, landscaped property, deep street setback, angled windows below the gable end, louvered, casement, and fixed windows, and custom details such as a designated dark room and locally quarried stone visible on the dwelling, chimney, and adjoining walls (Figure 28a-f). The dark room was custom designed for Mrs. Diamond who was beginning to experiment in the field of photography as a hobby. Within the company’s portfolio of projects, the dwelling exhibited a high level of individualization not commonly visible in other Custom Ranch style properties associated with the company.

In 1957, the 9353 Lemon Avenue property was featured as part of the Fourth Annual Grossmont Hospital Women’s Auxiliary Home and Garden Tour. The residence was advertised as a “modern home,” with “a combination of painted concrete block, field stone, wood, and stucco,” and a “fireplace of unusual design (Figure 29a-b).”86 Much like today, annual home tours during this time were held to showcase the areas historic and cultural heritage, breathtaking views, inspiring architecture, and beautiful landscapes. Residences featured on the tour that year were chosen as examples of “country style” homes.

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Diamond family until 2019, when it was acquired by James A. Harbin and Angelique Harbin. Today, the property remains under the ownership of Angelique Harbin.

Between 1966 and 1981, a wood-framed “tool and storage” ADU was constructed directly southeast of the main dwelling in a similar style with board-and-batten siding, and a slightly pitched shed roof with moderate eave overhang. A shed building is delineated on the original Diamond residence blueprints; however, the current building does not appear until a 1981 aerial. Over the years, minor alterations were made to the subject property under the Diamond family’s ownership (Figure 30). These alterations were made at an unidentified date and include the removal and replacement of the original main entryway door with a white hollow paneled door and later with the current period appropriate diamond lite midcentury style doors; the removal of louvered windows located on the north elevation, left of the main entryway; and removal and replacement of two original windows on the east elevation with vinyl window units. In 2010, a solar panel addition was added to the property (Permit No. B10-357). No further alterations were identified.

Alterations identified on subject property:
• Removal and replacement of original main entryway door with a white hollow paneled door; date not identified,
• Removal and replacement of white paneled door with current diamond-lite mid-century doors at main entryway; between 2019 and 2021,
• Removal of lower louvered windows on north elevation, left of main entryway; date not identified,
• Installation of two vinyl window unit on the east elevation; east facing date not identified/south facing recent 2024 alteration,
• Removal of the original roofing material over the covered patio; between 2010 and 2012 • Installation of solar panels; 2010.

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III. SITE DESCRIPTION AND ELIGIBILITY
Constructed in 1956, the Diamond Residence is a one-story dwelling with an attached garage constructed in the Custom Ranch architectural style by the Diamond Construction Company, Building Contractors. The single-family residence is sited on a rectangular shaped parcel, approximately 0.38- acres, on the south side of Lemon Avenue on a slightly raised lot within the La Mesa city limits. The surrounding area is defined by a high density single-family residential neighborhood constructed primarily between the 1940s and the 1970s. The dwelling has an irregular floorplan atop a concrete slab foundation, is low-to-the-ground, and is sited in an east-to-west orientation. The dwelling has a long horizontal massing, an asymmetrical facade, vertical board-and-batten siding, stucco, and concrete masonry unit wall painted olive green in color and features locally sourced custom cut stone visible on the dwelling and adjoining walls throughout the property. The low-pitched side gabled roof has a deep eave overhang with exposed rafters and boxed eaves. The fenestration throughout the dwelling consists mostly of aluminum sliding sash and casement windows, fixed frameless windows, and sliding glass doors and flush wood-framed doors. Identifying Custom Ranch characteristics include: an asymmetrical facade, horizontal massing, board-and-batten façade, custom cut stone, low-pitched roof, frameless windows, absence of applied decoration, a shallow pitched roof with a deep eave overhang, and strong interior and exterior connections.

The primary (north) elevation faces Lemon Avenue and is set back towards the center of the parcel (Photo 1). A U-shaped asphalt driveway provides access to the property from Lemon Avenue. A custom sign is located above the mailbox, sited along Lemon Avenue, that reads “The Diamonds Live Here” (Photo 2). The elevation is crescent shaped, asymmetrical, and partially obscured from the public rightof-way by vegetation along the road. The main entryway is mostly centered and recessed below the main roofline and features two Mid-century style doors painted in pink with diamond lite windows (Photo 3). The doors were installed between 2019 and 2021, replacing two double wood paneled doors with fan-lites. The doors are period appropriate and aligns with the historic character of the dwelling. To the east (left) of the front door are two large double fixed frameless windows, with wood panels on the lower half. The wood panels replaced original louvered windows that are visible in the original drawings (Photo 4). The double-car garage is located to the far east end of the elevation and features boardand-batten façade, a wood overhead door, and a single aluminum frosted glass window (Photo 5).

Directly west (right) of the main entryway is a single frosted, frameless, fixed window and to the far west end of the elevation are three aluminum casement windows (Photo 6).

The west elevation faces neighboring properties 9339 Lemon Avenue and 9341 Lemon Avenue. The elevation has an asymmetrical façade and features board-and-batten siding, clerestory windows installed at the gable end, a wide eave overhang, a single louvered window above a large rectangular frameless frosted window, concrete block along the lower span of the dwelling, and minimal decorative details (Photo 7a-c). Based on the residential blueprints, the elevation had two large rectangular windows, two louvered windows, and a more balanced appearance; however, the window openings to the right were not installed as per the original plans. Instead, board-and-batten siding was installed in its place and the right side of the clerestory window was made operable and the left is fixed. The east elevation faces neighboring property 9361 Lemon Avenue. The elevation has a concrete block wall with a custom cut stone veneer on the north corner, a wide eave overhang with exposed rafter beams, an open space below the main roofline and the concrete block wall, covered with a metal mesh, and minimal decorative details (Photo 8a-b).

The rear (south) elevation faces the 9345 Lemon Avenue property and provides access to a large expansive back yard and a shed-like ADU (Photo 9a-b). The parcel is enclosed on all sides by both a wood fence and slump brick wall. Concrete walkways and river rock steps link the home to the backyard. A large magnolia tree is located towards the southwest corner of the parcel. The elevation features a stucco façade, large aluminum sliding glass windows, single east and south facing vinyl

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windows, a partially covered patio on the southeast corner, and a partition wall separating the bedrooms from the common space areas. A flat shed roof covers the patio and is topped with corrugated roof panels (Photo 10a-e). Based on historic aerials, only a small portion of the patio area had corrugated roof panels. Between 2010 and 2012, the original roofing over the covered patio was removed and more corrugated roof panels were added over the garage area. The east facing vinyl window was installed at an unidentified date and the south facing vinyl window on the former dark room was installed recently in 2024.

Directly south of the main residence is a wood-framed “tool and storage” ADU that was constructed in a similar style with board-and-batten siding, and a slightly pitched shed roof with moderate eave overhang (Photo 11). The building is delineated on the original Diamond residence blueprints; however, the current building was constructed between 1966 and 1981. The current ADU first appears in a 1981 aerial (See Attachment A, Figure 31c and 31d). Directly southeast of the ADU is a small wood-framed shed.

See Attachment B for current views of the subject property.

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Significance
The Diamond Residence is one of two identified Custom Ranch properties constructed in the City of La Mesa attributed to the Diamond Construction Company. Founded in 1927 by Palmer “Delos” Diamond, the building company was known for their quality standardized and custom designs. Under the leadership of Diamond’s two sons, Norval, a licensed architect, and Darrell, a licensed engineer, the company designed and constructed several single-family and multi-family properties throughout the San Diego region between the late 1920s and 1970s. At least 200 properties located in the Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, Point Loma, Bay Park, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Coronado, Lemon Grove, Encanto, Spring Valley, Little Italy, Talmadge, North Park, Escondido, and La Mesa neighborhoods of San Diego, are attributed to the family-owned business. Homes produced by the Diamond Construction Company were built in the Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival, Mission Revival, Colonial Revival, Spanish Eclectic, Minimal Traditional, and Ranch architectural styles. Throughout the company’s history, the Diamonds offered buyers affordable yet aesthetically pleasing residential properties, many of which were funded by the FHA and featured in housing festivals.

The subject dwelling at 9353 Lemon Avenue represents the company’s work in the Custom Ranch style, with a single-story irregular floor plan, strong horizontal massing, board-and-batten siding and custom stone veneer, low-pitched gabled roof with deep eave overhang, attached two-car garage, recessed main entryway, prominent stone chimney, a large landscaped property and associated hardscape, deep street setback, fenestration consisting of angled clerestory windows, louvered, casement, and fixed windows, and custom designated dark room and use of locally quarried stone visible on the dwelling and throughout the property. Within the company’s portfolio of projects, the dwelling exhibits a high level of individualization not commonly visible in other Custom Ranch style properties associated with the company.

The patriarch of the company is cited having worked with noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright during the late 1910s, prior to relocating to San Diego. His association with Wright likely influenced him as a builder and towards the latter end of his career, a legacy that was carried over to his sons. The company’s prolific work throughout the Depression and post-World War II area alone is worthy of consideration as a noted builder, and in that regard, the 9353 Lemon Avenue property is representative of the notable work of the Diamond Construction Company.

The Diamond Residence, located at 9353 Lemon Avenue, is a significant cultural resource that appears to qualify for designation as a landmark under the City of La Mesa Historic Preservation Ordinance. The property embodies distinctive characteristics of the Custom Ranch style and is significant for its architecture. The building is a notable work of an acclaimed builder, the Diamond Construction Company, and is representative of a significant builder in La Mesa and San Diego. The house has experienced minimal changes and is regarded as a finite resource type in the La Mesa region. It is one of two identified dwellings constructed in the Custom Ranch style attributed to the company in the City of La Mesa.

The property qualifies for designation under the following City of La Mesa Register of Historic Landmark criteria.
• Criterion C for embodying the distinctive characteristics of the Custom Ranch architectural style. • Criterion D for representing the notable work of the Diamond Construction Company in the Custom Ranch style. The period of significance under this context and criterion is 1956 representing the original construction date.

The interior portions of the home are not proposed for designation.

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Integrity and Rehabilitation Considerations
The home retains a sufficient degree of integrity to convey its original 1956 construction date. The 9353 Lemon Avenue dwelling is sited in the same location within the boundaries of the City of La Mesa. The home still sits in an east-to-west orientation south of Lemon Avenue. The setting has not been subjected to substantial change and continues to evoke the character of a post-World War II neighborhood due to the number of Contemporary style dwellings surrounding the subject property. Minimal design and materials changes have occurred since 1956, and the property still represents the work of the Diamond Construction Company. The building still retains the original board and batten siding, stucco siding, concrete block wall, custom cut stone on the dwelling and adjoining walls, its aluminum framed windows and sliding glass doors, frameless and louvered windows, large stone chimneys, and a lowpitched hipped roof with wide overhanging eaves with exposed beams. The building maintains integrity of workmanship, as evidenced by the original stonework. The Diamond Residence still possesses an overall feeling of a Custom Ranch dwelling through distinctive characteristics of the style including horizontal massing, its sprawling floor plan, and attached carport and garage. Finally, the building maintains a strong association with the Diamond family and the Diamond Construction Company as the long-time home of Palmer “Darrell” Diamond and his wife Janis Fesler Diamond who lived at the property since its construction in 1956 until their deaths in 1993 and 2000, respectively.

Minor alterations made to the property at an unidentified date include the removal and replacement of the original main entryway door with a white hollow paneled door, and later with the current diamond lite mid-century style doors; the removal of louvered windows located on the north elevation, left of the main entryway; and removal and replacement of two small original windows on the east elevation with vinyl window units. In 2010, a solar panel addition was added to the property (Permit No.

B10-357). No further alterations were identified. Despite the alterations, the property retains its original footprint and continues to convey its historic significance as a Custom Ranch residence.

Rehabilitation for the residence and landscape/hardscape are proposed in the rehabilitation plan for the property. An important immediate task will be to remove non-historic aluminum windows and replace them with period appropriate windows / sills that is compatible with the architectural character. The original drawings will be used as a reference for window replacement. Associated with rehabilitation is maintenance, which will be undertaken at regular intervals to make sure the building remains intact and protected from the elements and damage. Repairs will be in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Despite the identified alterations, the building is still able to express the original workmanship of the Diamond Construction Company and retains the feeling of a Custom Ranch residence within the hills of La Mesa. It is Urbana’s opinion that the property is worthy of designation with its owners working towards rehabilitation. These findings are recorded on DPR 523 series forms, contained within the HSDR attachments. A rehabilitation plan is included in the attachments.

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IV. ENDNOTES / WORKS CITED
1 “La Mesa General Plan.” City of La Mesa. 2012, Pdf.
https://www.cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/6201/07LaMesaGPHistoricPreservation-CD?bidId=. Accessed 2023. 2 Ibid. 3 James D. Newland and La Mesa Historical Society, La Mesa, Images of America (SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2010), 8. 4 Newland, La Mesa, 8. 5 Ibid, 8. 6 Ibid, 9. 7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
10 “La Mesa General Plan.” City of La Mesa. 2012, Pdf.
https://www.cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/6201/07LaMesaGPHistoricPreservation-CD?bidId=. Accessed 2023. 11 “San Diego County SRS Database” San Diego County Survey Records System. 2023, Website: https://srs.sandiegocounty.gov/#. 12 “Timeline,” City of La Mesa. Website: https://www.cityoflamesa.us/1263/Timeline. Accessed Dec 2023. 13 James D. Newland and La Mesa Historical Society, La Mesa, Images of America (SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2010). 14 Ibid, 93. 15 “La Mesa General Plan.” City of La Mesa. 2012, Pdf. https://www.cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/6201/07LaMesaGPHistoricPreservation-CD?bidId=. Accessed 2023. 16 Ibid. 17 “Business Search,” California Secretary of State, Website: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business , Accessed Nov 2023. 18 San Diego and Daily Bee, April 2, 1939.; San Diego Union, April 4, 1937. 19 “La Mesa General Plan.” City of La Mesa. 2012, Pdf. https://www.cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/6201/07LaMesaGPHistoricPreservation-CD?bidId=. Accessed 2023.; Chicago Tribune, July 8, 1917. 20 Chicago Tribune, August 6, 1915; Chicago Tribune, February 5, 1916; Chicago Tribune, July 13, 1916; Chicago Tribune, May 16, 1917.; Chicago Tribune, July 8, 1917. 21 Chicago Tribune, July 8, 1917. 22 William Allin Storrer, The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright: A Complete Catalog (Ill: University of Chicago Press, 2002). 23 “American System Built Homes,” Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. (n.d.), Website: https://franklloydwright.org/site/american-systembuilt-homes/. Accessed 2023 24 Kristine Hansen, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wisconsin: How America’s Most Famous Architect Found Inspiration in His Home State (MD:

Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc. 2023). 25 “Market for Wood Gutters,” American Lumberman, 1920.; “Chicago Housing Project Magnet for Wide World,” The Englewood Economist, August 4, 1920.; “Chicago Housing Project Magnet for Wide World,” Suburbanite Economist, August 10, 1920.;“Chicago’s Housing Project,” The Windsor Star, Sep 1, 1920. 26 “Chicago Realizes Housing Project,” Tacoma Daily Ledger, Jun 27, 1920.; “Housing Project,” Chicago Daily News, March 19, 1920.; “Solving the Housing Problem in Chicago,” Prescott Daily News, April 2, 1920.; Washington Herald, May 30, 1920. “Chicago Housing Association,” Los Angeles Times, January 4, 1920. 27 Ibid. 28 Los Angeles Times, December 14, 1924. 29 California State Library; Sacramento, California; Great Register of Voters, 1900-1968. 30 Los Angeles Times, May 25, 1928. 31 Year: 1930; Census Place: San Diego, San Diego, California; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0225; FHL microfilm: 2339925 32 Evening Tribune, November 29, 1930. 33 San Diego City Directories, 1930-38 34 Evening Tribune, November 28, 1930. 35 Evening Tribune, November 21, 1936.; Evening Tribune, May 30, 1956. 36 The Onlooker, November 28, 1929. 37 Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1930. 38 National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: San Diego, San Diego, California; Roll: 1327; Page: 36; Enumeration District: 72-48 39 “Housing 1929-1941,” Encyclopedia. Website: https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-and-education-magazines/housing1929-1941#:~:text=Housing%20values%20dropped%20by%20approximately,reduced%20value%20of%20their%20home. 40 San Diego Union and Daily Bee, Sept 16, 1933. 41 Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC., “Clairemont CPA Historic Context for the Clairemont Community,” City of San Diego, 2019.

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42 “Builders Contest Peps Up San Diego,” American Builder and Building Age 1937, Vol. 59, Issue. 6 (US: Simmons Boardman Publication Corporation, 1937); https://archive.org/details/sim_american-builder_1937-06_59_6/page/74/mode/2up?q=Bay+Park. Accessed 2023 43 Evening Tribune, February 24, 1937. 44 San Diego Union and Daily Bee, March 21, 1937.; Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC., “Clairemont CPA Historic Context for the Clairemont Community,” City of San Diego, 2019.
45 Ibid.
46 San Diego Union, April 4, 1937. 47 Evening Tribune, Feb 16, 1937. 48 San Diego and Daily Bee, April 2, 1939. 49 Evening Tribune, April 12, 1939. 50 Evening Tribune, March 17, 1950. 51 James A. Jacobs, Detached America, Building Houses in Postwar Suburbia (VA: University of Virginia Press, 2015). 52 Diamond Tract, Map No. 02885. 53 San Diego Union & Daily Bee, September 20, 1953. 54 Coronado Eagle and Journal, May 3, 1956. 55 Evening Tribune, October 19, 1956. 56 San Diego Union, April 28, 1957. 57 Times-Advocate, December 14, 1960. 58 Weekly Times Advocate, January 24, 1958. 59 “Business Search,” California Secretary of State, Website: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business , Accessed Nov 2023. 60 “Islenair Historic District,” City of San Diego, 2007, Pdf. https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/planning/programs/historical/pdf/islenair/islenaircompletedoc.pdf 61 Ancestry.com. Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Marriages Index, 1871-1920 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
62 Year: 1920; Census Place: Chicago Ward 32, Cook (Chicago), Illinois; Roll: T625_351; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 2042. 63 “New Cement Building Block Factories,” Cement and Engineering News, Vol. 15-16 (US, University of Michigan, 1903). ; Chicago Tribune, July 8, 1917.
64 Chicago Tribune, August 6, 1915; Chicago Tribune, February 5, 1916; Chicago Tribune, July 13, 1916; Chicago Tribune, May 16, 1917.; Chicago Tribune, July 8, 1917.
65 Los Angeles Times, December 14, 1924. 66 The Onlooker, November 28, 1929. 67 “”hrough the Decades: The Austin Company’s California Office Enters the Field of Aviation,” The Austin, March 22, 2022. https://theaustin.com/news-blog/through-the-decades-the-1930s/. 68 Ibid. 69 Ibid. 70 Los Angeles Times, October 31, 1929.; California Department of Public Health, courtesy of www.vitalsearch-worldwide.com. Digital Images.
71 Year: 1920; Census Place: Yakima, Yakima, Washington; Roll: T625_1946; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 213 72 Onlooker, Jun 17, 1954. 73 Dayton Herald, February 11, 1907.; “Kate Fesler Passes Away,” The Onlooker, June 20, 1946. 74 Van Nuys News and Valley Green Sheet, July 28, 1921. 75 The Onlooker, November 28, 1929.; 76 National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: El Cajon, San Diego, California; Roll: 2361; Page: 13; Enumeration District: 37-20 77 Evening Tribune, November 21, 1936.; Evening Tribune, May 30, 1956. 78 Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1930. 79 National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: San Diego, San Diego, California; Roll: 1327; Page: 36; Enumeration District: 72-48 80 “Kate O. Sessions to be Honored at Pacific Beach,” Evening Tribune, November 5, 1937.; “Pacific Beach Club to Convene,” San Diego Union and Daily Bee, January 3, 1938. 81 “Kate O. Sessions to be Honored at Pacific Beach,” Evening Tribune, November 5, 1937. 82 San Diego Union and Daily Bee, November 18, 1944. 83 San Diego Union and Daily Bee, October 6, 1941.
84 Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. 85 “1953 Historic Aerial of La Mesa,” Website: HistoricAerials.com 86 San Diego Union, April 28, 1957. 87 Pasadena Independent, December 11, 1959.; San Diego Union, December 21, 1961. 88 Ancestry.com. U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. 89 Ancestry.com. U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.

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90 Ancestry.com. U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.

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HISTORIC IMAGERY AND DOCUMENTATION

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Figure 1a: Between the late 1890s and early 1920s, Delos Diamond worked as a building contractor constructing high quality, attractive, yet affordable housing in and around the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Source: Chicago Chronicle, March 7, 1897.

Figure 1b: Both the 3819 W. 63rd and 3810 W. 64th Street are in Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood, a historically eastern European immigrant community.

Source: Inter Ocean, Oct 17, 1897.

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Source: Chicago Tribune, May 7, 1902.

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Source: Chicago Tribune, Feb 6, 1916.

Figure 2b: P. Delos Diamond worked with noted architects such as W. K. Johnson and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Source: Chicago Tribune, May 16, 1917.

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Figure 3a: In 1917, Delos Diamond was one of six building contractors who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright in the development of the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods in Chicago.

Source: Chicago Tribune, June 8, 1917.

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Figure 3b: In 1917, Delos Diamond was one of six building contractors who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright in the development of the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods in Chicago.

Source: Chicago Tribune, June 3, 1917.

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Figure 4: The 10541 S. Hoyne Avenue home is directly associated with P. Delos Diamond, the founder of the Diamond Construction Company.

Source:.

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Figure 5a: In 1920, Diamond was hired by the Chicago Housing Association as the superintendent of the Chicago Housing Project. The project was an experiment created to address the housing crisis in Chicago and was monitored by economists from all over the United States Source: 1920 American Lumberman.

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Figure 5b: In 1920, Diamond was hired by the Chicago Housing Association as the superintendent of the Chicago Housing Project. The project was an experiment created to address the housing crisis in Chicago and was monitored by economists from all over the United States.

Source: Daily Herald, Sept 20, 1920.

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Figure 5c: In 1920, Diamond was hired by the Chicago
Housing Association as the superintendent of the
Chicago Housing Project. The project was an experiment
created to address the housing crisis in Chicago and was monitored by economists from all over the United States.

Source: Englewood Economist, Aug 4, 1920.

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Figure 6b: Delos Diamond’s involvement in
the Chicago Housing Project would later
allow him to gain employment as a housing
problem “expert” in Los Angeles, California.

Source: Englewood Economist, Aug 4, 1924.

Figure 6a: In 1924. P. Delos Diamond relocated to
California with his family where he continued to work
as a building contractor. He is mentioned as an
architect, however no evidence was found to
substantiate this. His involvement in the Chicago
Housing Project would later allow him to gain
employment as a housing problem “expert” in Los
Angeles, California.

Source: The Gazette, July 30, 1920.

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Figure 6c: Delos Diamond’s involvement in
the Chicago Housing Project would later
allow him to gain employment as a housing
problem “expert” in Los Angeles, California.

Source: The Bulletin, Dec 5, 1924.

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Source: The Van Nuys, November 15, 1927.

Figure 7c: The Diamond Construction Company constructed several single-and multifamily properties throughout the Los Angeles Area.

Source: The Van Nuys, April 29, 1929.

Figure 7b: The Diamond Construction Company
constructed several single-and multi-family properties
throughout the Los Angeles Area.

Source: The Van Nuys, Apr 28, 1927.

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Figure 7d: Early properties associated with the Diamond Construction Company were constructed in the Spanish Revival style and featured stucco façade, arched colonnade, arched windows, flat and gabled roofs topped with terracotta tiles, and attached garage.

Source: Los Angeles Times, May 25, 1928.

Figure 7e: Early properties associated with the Diamond Construction Company were constructed in the Spanish Revival style and featured stucco façade, arched colonnade, arched windows, flat and gabled roofs topped with terracotta tiles, and attached garage.

Source: Los Angeles Times, Oct 10, 1928.

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Figure 8: In 1929, Delos Diamond relocated to San Diego to establish the company in the area. The first property associated with the Diamond Construction Company in San Diego was the 1245 Garnet Ave property in Pacific Beach.

Source: Evening Tribune, Nov 29, 1929.

Figure 9: Delos Diamond continued to work as a building developer until his death in November of 1930.

Source: Evening Tribune, Nov 24, 1930.

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Figure 10b: Norval Diamond, the second oldest
son, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Architectural Engineering five months prior to his
father death.

Source: Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1930.

Figure 10a: Palmer Darrell Diamond, P. Delos Diamond’s eldest son, was an engineer and graduate of the University of Southern California. .

Source: Los Angeles Times, November 28, 1929.

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Source: Evening Tribune, Jan 8, 1936.

Figure 11b: The Diamond Construction Co. produced several standardized single-family cottage and bungalow house types.

The 1245 Felspar property was one of the company’s standardized cottage house type properties.

Source: Evening Tribune, October 13, 1937.

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Source: 2020 Google Street View.

Figure 12a: One of the most representative examples of the company’s work in the Spanish Revival style is the 2435 Marilouise Way property in Mission Hills.

Source: Evening Tribune, September 13, 1933.

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Source: Evening Tribune, Mar 3, 1937
Figure 13a: In 1937, the Diamond Construction
Company participated in the Bay Park Village Model
Home Exposition, a residential development located in
present-day Bay Park.

Source: Evening Tribune, February 17, 1937

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Figure 14: Following its inauguration, the Bay Park Village development was featured in the June 1937 edition of the American Builder and Building Age and caught the attention of FHA officials from Washington D. C.

Source: June1937 American Builder

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Figure 15: One of the dwellings identified with the Diamond Construction Co. in the Bay Park Village development was the 2935 Erie Street property for Mr. and Mrs. Archie L. MacLennan.

Source: Evening Tribune, February 16, 1938.

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Figure 16a: In 1939, the Diamond
Construction Company constructed the
5925 La Jolla Boulevard property in La
Jolla known as the “Garden Home.”
Their “Garden Home” in La Jolla would
earn them individual local recognition.

Source: Evening Tribune, February 16,
1938.

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Source: Evening Tribune, Apr 12, 1938.

Figure 16c: “Garden Home”
advertisement.

Source: Evening Tribune, Apr 12,
1938.

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Figure 17a: Constructed in 1940, 3319 Udall St is a two-story residence with characteristics in the Colonial Revival style, and features a rectangular floor plan, stucco façade, low-pitched hipped roof, stucco chimney, fixed decorative window shutters, pilasters, and a central main entryway.

Source: Evening Tribune, March 5, 1940.

Figure 17b: Street view of the 3319 Udall Street property.

Source: 2020 Google Street View

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Figure 18a: Diamond Tract.

Source: Evening Tribune, April 18, 1952.

Figure 18b: In 1953, the Diamond Tract was
featured as part of National Home Week.

Source: Evening Tribune, September 19, 1953.

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Source: San Diego Union, May 6, 1956.

Figure 20b:

Source: Coronado Eagle and Journal, May 3, 1956.

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Source: San Diego Survey Records System

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Source: San Diego Survey Records System

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Figure 22: In October of 1956, an 82.3-acre parcel was acquired and later developed as the Sapphire Terrace tract. Both tract and custom style residences were built in the subdivision.

Source: Evening Tribune, Oct 19, 1956.

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Source: San Diego Survey Records System

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Source: San Diego Survey Records System

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Source: San Diego Survey Records System

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Source: Evening Tribune, Dec 15, 1960.

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Source: The Onlooker, November 7, 1929.

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Source: The Onlooker, November 28, 1929.

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Source: San Diego Union, Sept 19, 1936.

Figure 26b: In 1937, under Mrs. Diamonds leadership,
the club honored the Kate O. Sessions, the Mother of
Balboa Park for her horticultural contributions in San
Diego.

Source: San Diego Union, November 5, 1937.

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Figure 27a: By the early 1940s, she turned to art and
served as an executive board member of the San
Diego Fine Arts Gallery and on the board of the La
Jolla Art Gallery.

Source: San Diego Union, June 29, 1944.

Figure 27b:

Source: San Diego Union, Nov 18, 1944.

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Source: San Diego Union, Oct 2, 1949.

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Source: San Diego Union, April 28, 1957.

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Source: Evening Tribune, May 1, 1957.

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Figure 30a: Aerial view of the subject property, 1953. The aerial was taken three years before the Diamond Residence was constructed. Much of the area east of La Mesa proper continued to retain citrus trees.

Source: UCSB Frame Finder.

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Figure 30b: Aerial view of the subject property, 1963, The property retains its original footprint. By this time, the area was rapidly being developed and had lost most of its citrus trees.

Source: UCSB Frame Finder.

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Figure 31c: Aerial view of the subject property, 1966. The 9345 Lemon Ave residences was constructed directly behind the subject dwelling. Present magnolia tree is visible in the aerial.

Source: UCSB Frame Finder.

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Source: UCSB Frame Finder

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Source: Google Earth

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Source: Google Earth

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Source: Google Earth

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Figure 31h: Aerial view of the subject property, 2012. Between 2010 and 2012, original roofing over the covered patio on the southeast corner was removed and corrugated roofing was added and extended north on the garage area.

Source: Google Earth

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Source: Google Earth.

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CURRENT VIEWS

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January 2024 | Attachment A
Photo 1: The primary (north) elevation faces Lemon Avenue and is set back towards the center of the parcel. The custom cut adjoining walls are visible in the photo.