Friends of Balboa Park Completes Restoration
Structures Served As Ticket Booths During 1915 Panama-California Exposition
Over the decades, the gate houses fell into disrepair until Friends of Balboa Park accepted them as a restoration project in 2014.
Friends of Balboa Park have completed the restoration of the historic gate houses that welcome visitors into the Park on the west side of the Cabrillo Bridge. The Gate Houses are located at Balboa Drive and El Prado at the west entrance of the Cabrillo Bridge.
“The gate houses have been restored to their original splendor from the 1915 Exposition, thanks to Friends donors, volunteers and local preservation experts,” said Friends of Balboa Park Executive Director John Bolthouse. “Beautiful structures now welcome visitors to the west end of the Park, just as was intended more than a century ago.”
The structures were originally installed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition as the main entry to the Park. Over the decades, they fell into disrepair until Friends of Balboa Park accepted them as a restoration project in 2014. The project took an estimated 18 months and cost approximately $140,000. One of the primary volunteers involved in the project was local philanthropist and Friends board of directors member Jim Hughes, who helped see the project through from beginning to end.
“Friends works hand-in-hand with local volunteers and the philanthropic community to assist our valued partners at the City of San Diego’s Park & Recreation Department in ensuring Balboa Park is maintained for future generations,” said Bolthouse. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with the city to help maintain the ‘Jewel of San Diego’ for people from around the world to enjoy.”
The group has spearheaded major capital improvement initiatives throughout The Park, including information kiosks, restoration of the historic gate houses and lily pond, Adopt-A-Plot, bench tributes, tree dedications, and other programs that facilitate the community’s direct involvement in the enhancement of Balboa Park. For more information, visit www.friendsofbalboapark.
Category: Local News
