'Fabulous Foothill-ers' outing on Nov. 5 explores suburban hillside neighborhoods and 100-year-old Grossmont High School 'Castle'
La Mesa’s architectural heritage will be on full display on Nov. 5 with the in-person return of a popular annual home tour.will feature a mix of classic, revival, contemporary and modern designs in the Brier Tract and Grossmont/Mount Helix communities. With the theme “Fabulous Foothill-ers,” the tour includes homes emblematic of these rural suburban “foothill” neighborhoods, where the rocky, hillside view lots provided a natural canvas for the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
The La Mesa History Center is partnering with the century-old institutional landmark Grossmont High School and will also include its original, restored “Castle” school building in the tour.16th annual home tour presented by the La Mesa History Center, in partnership with the Grossmont High School and MuseumPurchase at lamesahistory.com. Before Nov. 5, $25 for La Mesa History Center members/$40 nonmembers; day of, $30/$45. Bring photo ID.
Featured properties are the 1922 Grossmont High School ; a 1950 modern “ranch house” built for local contractor/developer Stanley Scott; a 1950 home designed by Los Angeles/Las Vegas architect Harry Hayden Whiteley; a contemporary-style property from 1977; a 1952 example of local architect Lloyd Ruocco; and an original Cliff May 1930s Spanish hacienda with a 1960s Ruocco update.
The homes are well-preserved examples of these distinctive periods and styles but also illustrate how such well-designed and constructed houses continue to serve as family homes, not just architectural artifacts. Continuously running shuttles are included with admission. No personal vehicles are allowed on the tour. The home tour is not ADA accessible and includes lengthy driveways to several homes.