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Santa Ysabel General Store, c. 1890s. Courtesy Hoover Family.
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Having been vacant for the last few years, the 1884 Historic Santa Ysabel General Store will now be restored and used as a Nature Interpretive Center, Mercantile and Visitor Center.
"The Santa Ysabel store is one of the rarest of building types in all of San Diego. As the only adobe false front store left in the County, it was a priority site for SOHO to acquire to assure its protection and preservation," explains SOHO's Executive Director Bruce Coons.
The plan is for SOHO to operate the site together with several land conservancy organizations. "This is an exciting opportunity to work with some of the most respected nature conservancy groups in the region," Coons explains. "Volcan Mountain Foundation, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, San Diego River Foundation, and possibly others." Once the building is open these organizations, using knowledgeable volunteer staff, would offer the visitor information on surrounding public trails, recreation opportunities, and cultural heritage sites of the backcountry.
Located at 30275 Highway 78, the store was purchased for $295,000. The iconic building is
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Santa Ysabel General Store, c. 1918. Coons Collection
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the most important site left of what was the historic town site of Santa Ysabel, and the town retains much of its 19th century feel as it is still mostly buffered by open space.
One of the first orders of business is to restore the façade, replace windows and doors that have been removed or changed, and painting the building which includes restoring its historic signage.
Local support has been strong already as word has leaked out; congratulations have been coming in from all over the backcountry as this much beloved building with its prominent location had people very worried about its future.
SOHO purchased the store from the Tulloch family, a pioneer cattle ranching family who have for generations been caring for the land. They were eager to get the building into good hands and felt that SOHO, having demonstrated through the years how they can care for historic properties so that everyone can enjoy them, was a good fit for the property.
This marks the first time since 1969 when SOHO helped to purchase the Villa Montezuma in Sherman Heights that SOHO has purchased a building. SOHO currently operates the county owned Whaley House museum, the city owned Adobe Chapel and Marston House & Gardens and the Vista Irrigation District owned Warner-Carrillo Ranch House, Stage Station and Trading Post that is due to open in the Spring of 2012.
SOHO is seeking donations to help restore the building and replenish funds.
