Historic Context Statement: San Diego Modernism

From foreword: "The City of San Diego is known for its wealth of historical and cultural resources, and the City is committed to preserving, interpreting and celebrating this heritage. From the Native American sites and California’s earliest Spanish settlements, to recent landmarks such as the renowned 1965 Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego has a rich and diverse continuum of cultural artifacts to appreciate. The buildings, sites and structures expressing the Modernist era are a crucial contributor to this continuum. This Historic Context Statement on San Diego Modernism describes the background of social and economic history, development patterns, and artistic and cultural trends that informed the years 1935-1970 when Modernism flowered in San Diego. This context statement also becomes an essential tool for the City Historical Resources Board (HRB), and the City staff to more accurately assess the value and relative significance of resources in this time period. It provides a foundation for future HRB efforts and consideration of historic designation of significant Modernist resources. Furthermore, this Statement reinforces the City’s commitment to all aspects and periods of its history, particularly the most recent period leading into our current 45 year window of review. San Diego is blessed with a wealth of Modernist resources created by bold, accomplished and nationally recognized practitioners. As interest and respect for Modernism grows, San Diego offers its distinctive contributors to this legacy." Funding was provided in part by a 2006 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of San Diego (project number CA-06-46) administered by the California State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 06-06-21507) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. San Diego, California is a Certified Local Government.

Historic Context Statement: San Diego Modernism

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