San Juan Capistrano Ca Landmarks

While most people come to the city to visit the 219-year-old Mission San Juan Capistrano--known as the Jewel of the Missions--many tend to overlook the city's other historic gems: its adobe houses. But two residents want to change that. Starting March 23, one of the city's oldest structures, the 202-year-old Montanez Adobe, will be permanently open to the public under a plan submitted to the city by resident Rita Tanner-Propersi and local artist David Whittington.

It has survived nearly 200 years of rain, swallows nests and even pillagers. Until now, there have been no serious attempts to repair it. But finally, the weather-beaten ruins of the Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano are getting some attention.

It has survived nearly 200 years of rain, swallows nests and even pillagers. Until now, there have been no serious attempts to repair it. But finally, the weather-beaten ruins of the Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano are getting some attention.

The sale of the 100-year-old Capistrano Depot to a group of South County investors for $860,000 is expected to be approved tonight by the City Council. The council, acting as the community redevelopment agency, also will consider whether to approve a three-year, $410,000 loan at a 9% annual interest rate to the investors, Manna Station Inc., to help finance the property.

Residents of one of California's oldest neighborhoods are afraid, but it's not because of drugs or drive-by shootings. No, they fear City Hall, where elected officials are poised to allow two houses in San Juan Capistrano's Los Rios Historic District to be used exclusively for commercial purposes.

Claire Dell broke into a triumphant smile. With careful examination to detail and color, Dell and her two companions from Vermont had just successfully identified the inspiration behind Charles Percy Austin's 1924 oil painting, titled "Mary Pickford's Wedding, San Juan Capistrano." "Absolutely gorgeous," Dell whispered. Austin's work was among 35 paintings of California missions on display Saturday at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

To make it easier for tourists and local visitors to find historic buildings, the city has published a brochure with a two-mile walking tour of historic San Juan Capistrano. Recently installed pedestrian signs downtown complement the brochure, which highlights more than 200 years of local history and 25 sites listed on the city's inventory of historic and cultural resources.

The City Council has approved an easement to ensure that the facade on its historic train depot will not be altered if the depot is sold. The city bought the 100-year-old depot in 1987 for $1.1 million. It has been vacant since January, when a restaurant shut down. The depot is a daily departure point for hundreds of South County rail commuters. The city has received two offers on the property, which it has listed for sale for $1 million.

The City Council is taking the first step toward selling its 100-year-old train depot, a downtown landmark that has been vacant since January, when a restaurant there closed its doors. The council voted 4 to 0 Tuesday to interview real estate agents who are interested in listing the property for sale or lease. City Councilman Gil Jones abstained because of potential conflict of interest.

An 85-year-old piece of local history known as the Love House rolled to a new site on Valentine's Day, escaping what would have been a less-than-romantic date with a wrecking ball. Now, with some care, attention and money, the deteriorating Craftsman-style bungalow should be restored by fall to its original state, under an arrangement between the city and John Taylor, a San Juan Capistrano general contractor.