San Diego Architectural Foundation

Among the myriad ways to discuss, categorize, appreciate and value architecture is understanding our region’s historic sites inventory. As the number and caliber of decades-old residential, institutional and commercial buildings can decrease through remodeling and demolition, the number can also increase as the citizenry push local officials to designate local treasures as historic.

We recently sat down with local real estate developer Greg Strangman of L.W.P. Group to discuss his 5th historic building – in this case the designation of his own home, the Cecil and Virginia Roper Residence by Loch Crane (ca. 1964). The seaside getaway of lava rock, wood and glass remains intact while other similar designs by former (pre-WW2) Taliesin Fellow Crane of the same era have gone nearly extinct.
   
As an architecture enthusiast, and one who has built a career out of redeveloping San Diego’s historic fabric, Strangman pursued protection of his home for two reasons: to protect the home whenever it transfers ownership, and to take advantage of healthy property tax savings. Following historic designation, with Mills Act protection, a homeowner can enjoy tax savings up to 70%.

  Cecil and Virginia Roper Residence by Loch Crane (ca. 1964), a.k.a. 'Cape May Modern'.

Having waited 2.5 years to see his application for his home’s historic designation approved, Greg can now enjoy another fruit born from this tree. The author, having owned his home for a decade, will be following in Greg’s footsteps to seek designation for his own home – and take our readers along for the ride. What will follow in the coming weeks will serve as a tutorial (of sorts) for those seeking to better understand the process.
    
For more photos and info on Greg's home, and insights on the historical designation process, be sure check out the next issue of the SDAF newsletter, "By Design". - Keith York