National City
OH! San Diego 2025
Saturday, March 8th
About National City
As the second oldest city in San Diego County, National City is known for its charming Victorian architecture, a rich cross-border history, and a melting pot of residents that are 64 percent Latino and 20 percent Asian. National City’s offers a walkable downtown with longtime local favorites alongside exciting new development. Throughout the city you'll find award winning architecture including the National City Aquatic Center and Lincoln Acres Library, as well as the Paradise Creek restoration project.
The Kimball Museum
MUSEUM
923 A Ave, National City, CA 91950
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-4pm
HUB Location
Kimball Museum was the home of National City Founders Frank and Sara Kimball. Frank Kimball purchased Rancho de la Nacion, about 6 square leagues (26,631 acres), in 1866, and the Kimball house was brought through the Panama Canal and assembled in National City in 1868. It was a beautiful house with a 26-foot stairwell and 14-foot living and dining room walls. Inlaid stamped leather donned the ceiling. It was renovated by the City in the 1980s and moved to Heritage Square.
Architect/Designer: Unknown
Brick Row
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL
909 A Ave, National City, CA 91950
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-4pm
Brick Row was constructed in 1887 by Frank Kimball at a cost of $18.
It has been meticulously preserved and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While specific details about recent renovations are not readily available, the building's facade is protected to maintain its original Victorian style.
Architect/Designer: R.C. Ball
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL
2525 N Ave, National City, CA 91950
Guided Tour: SAT 10:30am-12pm
Step into the rich history of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center with a visit to the historic Noyes House, built in 1896. Nestled on an 8-acre property, this vibrant space has evolved into a hub of nutrition education, environmental stewardship, and organic gardening. Today, our gardens grow more than just food—they cultivate knowledge, access, and advocacy. Through hands-on programs, community members engage with sustainable practices and connect with nature.
Architect: Oliver Noyes
Parco (+ Alan Manzano office)
MIXED-USE
800 B Ave, National City, CA 91950
Guided Tour: SAT 10am, 2:30pm
Completed in 2021, Parco was envisioned as a catalyst infill development to revitalize a once thriving commercial main street. The competition entry was titled, “downtown in one building". It features a mix of uses that provide a self-sustaining eco-system for comfortable urban living. Those uses include 127 apartments with both furnished studios and co-living, executive office suites, small-scale food & beverage, and retail. Visit the resident amenity spaces on the 3rd and 8th floor.
Developer: Malick Infill Development, Co-Development Partner: Protea Properties, Design: Miller Hull Partnership
National City Depot
HISTORIC
922 W. 23rd Street National City, CA 91950
Self-Guided Tour: SAT 10am-4pm
The 141-year-old Italianate style building originally housed the station and general offices of the California Southern Railway, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway. Completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1885 significantly influenced the development of National City and the San Diego area.
Restored in 1998 by the City of National City, the building and grounds are now home to the San Diego Electric Association's National City Depot Museum. Many of the building's architectural features have been retained.
Architect/Designer: Milford Wayne Donaldson