Vallejo Architectural Heritage Foundation

Description

The Foundation was established in response to a massive 1960's era redevelopment project that leveled 24 blocks of the City center including architectural treasures such as the Carnegie Library, demolished in 1969. Increased public awareness of the importance of historic preservation contained the demolition from spreading into the adjacent historic neighborhoods. The Foundation spearheaded the efforts to list the Heritage Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places, put in place a Historic Preservation Ordinance and establish the City's Architectural Heritage and Landmarks Commission...a jurisdictional body charged with enforcing the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Recently, the Foundation served as the local partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in negotiating an agreement with the City of Vallejo and Lennar Mare Island to avoid negative impacts to Mare Island's historic resources while allowing development to proceed. Finally, the Foundation offers educational programs to increase public awareness about Vallejo's vibrant architectural heritage.

The Vallejo Architectural Heritage Foundation's offices are located in the rehabilitated Heritage House at 419 Farragut Avenue between Sacramento Street and Wilson Avenue. The Eastlake cottage, once located on Marin Street in the downtown, was scheduled for demolition. It was donated to the Foundation by Senator Luther Gibson and was moved to its current location in 1985.