San Diego Architectural Foundation picks 25 Point Loma gems for architectural tour

More than a dozen of Point Loma’s most treasured architectural wonders were included in this year’s Open House San Diego (OH! SD) tours, March 24-25, which also featured 80 must-see sites in Bankers Hill, Balboa Park, Downtown and Barrio Logan.

An annual program of the San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF), the two-day event provides free, behind-the-scenes looks at never-before-seen buildings and historic landmarks, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for viewing and photographing.

Each OH! SD site chosen sported an original feature or unique story, innovative use of materials, repurposing of space, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency or smart use of public areas. Attendees checked in to receive a passport that could be stamped at each site they visited.

The OH! SD tours are based on those founded more than 25 years ago in London. The first such tours in the States was held in New York, and now some 40 communities offer them. The program goal is to teach the public about urban design and the critical challenges facing cities — rapid population growth, density, transportation and the environment — and the need for healthy, dignified spaces.

Point Loma stops included:

All Souls’ Episcopal Church

The Thursday Club

Point Loma Hervey Branch Library

Point Loma Assembly

Point Loma Living Room

Point Loma Nazarene University and its Mieras Hall, Latter Hall and Sator Hall

Loma Theatre

Pacific Rim Park

Tunaman’s Memorial, Portuguese Historical Center, UPSES Chapel

St. Agnes Catholic Church

Liberty Station’s Building 200/Dick Laub NTC Command Center; Building 208/The North Chapel; Building 35/The Luce Auditorium and The Lot; Scout @ Quarters D

The Rock Church

Moniker Commons

Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty Liberty Station Office

Stone Brewing World Bistro Gardens

KMA Architecture

Naval Base Point Loma

—How many of these local architectural gems are you familiar with? You can find a description of each at sdarchitecture.org/program/openhouse-sites-2018/