About San Diego's Old Town

Heritage Village Makeover Now Complete

Back in November of 2010, I wrote a post about the transformation and makeover of Heritage Village that was underway. Almost a full year later, I thought it would be would nice to show you what that makeover looks like with a few of the before and after Photos.

Heritage Park's nineteenth century Victorian Homes were transformed from a Park to an enclave of hotel guest rooms as part of a multi-million dollar restoration.

Heritage Park was created to preserve a number of century old structures that were threatened by demolition when the post WWII expansion of downtown San Diego started.

With the help of matching federal funds, San Diego county purchased the current 7.8 parcel of land adjacent to Old Town in 1971. Seven buildings were moved from various parts of downtown and the Banker's Hill area of Hillcrest from 1971 through 1982.

Everything has a season and Heritage Park provides a new attraction for guests and visitors to San Diego. Thankfully the visionaries of yesterday saved these historic structures and now will see these marvelous old homes be able to create new memories. May they live on for yet another century.

The Christiam House Built 1889

Sherman - Gilbert House 1887

Burton House 1893

Bushy Head House 1887

Senlis Cottage

All in all I love the new color palette and I think the City of San Diego did a wonderful job with this transformation.

Cosmopolitan Hotel " The Cosmo" in Old Town, Then and Now

The original structure was a 12 room one story adobe mansion constructed by Juan Bandin in the early 1800's. It was referred to as the Casa de Bandini. In 1859 the residence had fallen into great disrepair and Bandini who was financially destitute sold the structure to his son-in-law in 1859. In 1869, the residence was sold agian to an Albert Steeley who transformed the property into a fashionable 2 story hotel and stage stop.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel as it appeared In 1869

As the railroads moved into the area and stage travel declined, in 1887 the hotel was sold off and for some 80 years the building was used for various purposes from a store , pickle factory, motel and boarding house before becoming part of the Old Town San Diego Stage Historic Park in 1968.

The hotel restoration was just completed and the historic landmark was transformed back into a hotel. The original 12 room adobe structure , the first level ( at least 80% of it) is now as it was when it was constructed.

When I was there to take Photos, I was greeted by the " Mayor" of the Cosmo and he was most gracious as the hotel guests were serenaded on the patio with music from the era. The original hotel dining room was also restored and shows the styling of the by-gone era.

A San Diego Treasure - Old Town and Bazaar Del Mundo

One of the wonderful things about living in San Diego is that we have so many forward thinkers that provide culture, entertainment and visuals that just plain and simple make you feel good.

The colorful and festive attractions at Old Town San Diego is some very sweet eye candy. The atmosphere authentically represents the best of Mexico, Latin American and the American Southwest.

The colorful shops are filled with selections of original fashions, artisan crafts and folk art collections of the Latin regions of a number of countries. The fiesta atmosphere will lighten your spirits and stimulate your soul. And if the visuals of all the colors aren't enough to make you feel totally wonderful, just try one of the many flavors of frozen margaritas and you will dancing in the streets in no time. This best libations followed by pleasing the palette with some fabulous authentic Mexican food and surrounded by sounds and visuals that will surely lift your spirits even higher.

The Bazaar Del Mundo and Old Town experience is truly a San Diego treasure " that has no rival"!

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) $3,000 Cash Relocation

Assistance Program For San Diego, CA Homeowners. "Certian Terms Apply"

Exit Gracefully

​If homeownership is no longer affordable or the weight of homeownership has become too much to bear, Making Homes Affordable (MHA) has a program that allows you to exit gracefully from the property with $3,000 in relocation assistance. The HAFA short sale program is designed to help underwater sellers either modify their loans or sell their homes as a short sale to avoid foreclosure. Through Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA), you won't owe any more for the property after selling, and you will be free from the threat of foreclosure. The benefit of a HAFA short sale is that you are no longer responsible for the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and the amount that your home sells for. That's right if you qualify you walk away free and clear!

Eligibility*

You may be eligible to apply if you meet all of the following:

• You live in the home or have lived there in the last 12 months.
• You have a documented financial hardship.
• You have not purchased a new house within the last 12 months.
• Your first mortgage is less than $729,750
• $934,200 for 2 units
• $1,129,250 for 3 units
• $1,403,400 for 4 units
• You obtained your mortgage on or before January 1, 2009.

• You are experiencing a hardship (such as a job loss, divorce or medical emergency) and are unable to afford your current home loan

• You owe more than your home is worth. (Contact The Watson Realty Today to Find What Your Home Is Worth)

• You must not have been convicted within the last 10 years of felony larceny, theft, fraud or forgery, money laundering or tax evasion, in connection with a mortgage or real estate transaction.

*Eligibility criteria are for guidance only. Contact your mortgage servicer to see if you qualify for HAFA Short Sale or just give us a call at 858-272-6000.

Program Availability

HAFA is available for mortgages that are owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or serviced by over 100 HAMP participating servicers. A list of HAMP participating servicers can be found here .

How Will HAFA Program Affect My Credit?

Although a short sale will have a negative effect on your credit, by completing this transaction, you may qualify for future credit sooner than if you allow your home to go through the foreclosure process.

While your lender works with you to complete a short sale, they will continue to report the status of your account to the major credit reporting agencies. If a short sale is completed on your property, your lender will report that your loan was "paid in full for less than the full balance."

You should only consider a short sale after you've explored all other options, including modifying your loan. Please visit our page www.thewatsongrouprealty.com for a complete list of options you may want to consider.

You should contact a tax professional to gain an understanding of any tax implications.

For More Information

If you have additional questions about getting mortgage help contact The Watson Group Realty at (858)272-6000 or 281-797-3841. We will help you understand your options, design a plan to suit your individual situation, and prepare your application. Research shows that homeowners who work with experienced HAFA Short Sale Specialist like us are more successful and have better long-term outcomes. There is no cost to you for this valuable, around-the-clock FREE service. Help is available contact us today!!!

Program Dates

Effective April 5, 2010 - Dec. 31, 2012

Victorian Homes in Heritage Park Getting a Makeover and Re-purposed.

They will serve as Inns to be rented out nightly for guests and visitors to San Diego.

Heritage Park's nineteenth century Victorian Homes are being transformed from a Park to an enclave of hotel guest room as part of a multi-million dollar restoration.

The Burton House ( 1893)

Heritage Park was created to preserve a number of century old structures that were threatened by demolition when the post WWII expansion of downtown San Diego started.

The Bushhead House ( 1887)

With the help of matching federal funds, San Diego county purchased the current 7.8 parcel of land adjacent to Old Town in 1971. Seven buildings were moved from various parts of downtown and the Banker's Hill area of Hillcrest from 1971 through 1982.

The Christian House ( 1889 )

The original vision was a for a Victorian Village with shops and restaurants but Heritage Park never quite proved itself financially enough to expand it it's designated purpose.

Just restored, The Senlis Cottage ( 1896)

The new vision by the county is to turn these homes into guest rooms as part of a larger expansion associated to the Hacienda Hotel in Old Town.

SHerman-Gilbert House ( 1887)

Everything has a season and Heritage Park will provide for a new attraction for guests and visitors to San Diego. Thankfully the visionaries of yesterday saved these historic structures and now will see these marvelous old homes be able to create new memories. May they live on for yet another century.

Temple Beth Isreal ( 1889)

Very soon these restorations and modifications will be completed and I will be back to take new photos of the transformation. Some of the new colors are already showing up. There will be over time, three new constructions in the same architecture with a number of additional rooms and they will complete the makeover.

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