Revitalizing San Diego’s Historic Golden Hill House: A Fusion of Architectural Notoriety and Community Impact
Our work on Golden Hill House, in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood combines two of our favorite things: historic renovations and helping our community.
Originally designed by noted architect Irving Gill in 1895, and known as the George Garretson House, the Shingle style of architecture was progressive at the time of design. The house is now owned by the County of San Diego, and leased to a substance use provider for their program operations.
The substance use provider utilizes the house as a residential treatment program for women.
The Power of Architecture
We know that architecture has power, including the power to promote calming and healing. A beautiful, safe space can bring peace through a challenging experience. We want Golden Hill House itself to be part of the positive journey these women take.
“I appreciate that this project has a social-benefit aspect to it,” said Architect Randy Biegenzahn, AIA, LEED AP who is leading this project for us along with support from Principal Sandra Gramley, AIA, LEED AP. “People are getting help, and there’s an altruistic, societal benefit.”
The Improvements
The aesthetic upgrades for the house include a new paint scheme and dual glazed wood windows that match the original design of the house. We’re also repairing and replacing the exterior stairways and landings.
While not as noticeable, the livability upgrades include accessibility improvements, upgrading the HVAC system with a heat pump, updating the electrical system, and upgrading the fire alarm system.
Additionally, the house’s layout of living quarters upstairs and communal spaces downstairs requires fire zone separation doors and additional egress for the residential use.
Thank You Team
The design process is well underway and we’d like to acknowledge some of our wonderful subconsultants on this project, Turpin & Rattan for MPE, Nasland for Civil and Aark as Structural Engineers. We anticipate construction starting for all these renovations and improvements in spring or summer of 2024.
We are grateful to the County of San Diego for the opportunity to work on a socially and culturally important project like Golden Hill House.
Photo by Architect Randy Biegenzahn. The photo is before.
