Open House San Diego 2021
Celebrating architecture, urban design & the built environment
Open House San Diego 2021
Celebrating architecture, urban design & the built environment
March 5 – 12, 2021
As we have been spending more time closer to home, our neighborhoods have become all the more vital to us. At the same time, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront. 2021 brought an opportunity for OH! San Diego to expand beyond its traditional borders and encourage San Diegans to explore and appreciate a diverse and culturally rich mix of communities — Barrio Logan, City Heights, Chula Vista, La Mesa, National City, San Marcos, and Southeastern San Diego.
Exploring the intersection of design and community, OH! San Diego 2021 offered a look at the history, public spaces, and architecturally and socially significant developments in these neighborhoods. OH! 2021 featured self-guided tours, socially distanced outdoor experiences and activations, virtual tours, and panel discussions. For attendance stats and media coverage download the OH! San Diego 2021 Visibility Report.
While the live events have passed, you can keep exploring the OH! neighborhoods all year long with our virtual and self-guided tours. Welcome to OH! San Diego 2021 – The Neighborhoods are OH-pen!
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This year there are 120+ sites for you to explore across seven neighborhoods. Sites have been selected to offer a glimpse into each neighborhood’s history and culture, with a focus on how design both shapes and reflects each community. For 2021, this includes not just sites of architectural significance, but hidden gems that you might not find on your own. Because food is an important part of experiencing any destination, and because we know touring makes you hungry, we’ve included a sampling of local restaurants, breweries and coffee shops. OH! is an opportunity to get outside and explore locally – start with self-guided walking tours, spend some time in the parks and outdoor spaces, support local shops and restaurants, and be inspired by the power of design in our communities.
Please remember that, unless the building is otherwise open to the public, interior spaces will not be part of the tour.
In addition to virtual and outdoor self-guided tours, OH! offered a slate of panel discussions and socially distanced events, with something for kids and adults alike. Check out OH! Chats and Experiences to see what you may have missed (recordings of some live programs are available).
This year you can preview the OH! San Diego neighborhoods and sites from your computer or mobile device. The OH! app and website offer photos, videos, and information about each site, while the OH! app also includes an interactive map. Print-at-home maps are also available for download. Visit App & Maps for more info on these options. Explore on foot, by vehicle, or from the comfort of your couch – the choice is yours!
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Over 70 entries were received capturing images of OH sites across the seven neighborhoods. Seven winners were selected at random, with winning photographers receiving a gift card from a local restaurant. View the winning images here. While the contest is over, you can view the photo tutorials from master OH! architectural photographer, Jim Brady for tips on how to take a great image.
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OH! San Diego is your event, and we want to hear from you! Participate in our short visitor survey and let us know how we did!
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It takes a village, as they say. And around here, it takes an entire community. OH! San Diego is possible only with the support of our many sponsors. And to our community partners, our professional partners, and our team of dedicated volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you! THANK YOU to everyone who helped create the first-ever (mostly) virtual Open House!
Thank You to Our Neighborhood Sponsors
Thank you to our Sponsors and Supporters
Rosamaria Acuña, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Thank You to Our Video Sponsor
Photography Provided by
OH! San Diego is supported by
No matter the style, beautiful design and architecture in our built environment showcases the creativity, passion and talent of people who have worked hard to help San Diego be its best self.
Georgette Gomez
Council President
City of San Diego