Each person who visits San Diego experiences the beauty of our unique city. Residents thrive in a place so steeped in history that it is common to come across historic landmarks. With such dedication to our history, it’s no surprise that landmark remodels and restorations are done regularly. Let’s explore four of the most famous historic landmarks in San Diego that have undergone major remodels to keep the beauty of the past alive.

Hotel del Coronado

First opened in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado is one of the most iconic landmarks in San Diego. Over many years of hosting vacation goers, international presidents, and celebrities, the hotel, affectionately referred to as The Del, underwent many changes. The iconic veranda was completely removed at one point, significantly changing the appearance of this Victorian-era coastal treasure. In 2018, one of the most expensive hotel restoration projects began. At this point, over $14 million has been invested in the restoration. The project has been done in phases, allowing the hotel to remain open to welcome guests from all over the world. It is estimated that the renovations will be finalized in early 2025, and after eight years of diligent work, most of the project has been completed. The firm responsible for a considerable portion of the work, Heritage Architecture and Planning, have won multiple awards for their contribution to The Del. They are currently responsible for the façade restoration, but their involvement includes the replication of the front veranda and main entrance, the restoration of over 120 wooden windows, and the custom recreation of 21 incredible stained-glass windows. The amount of work involved in the Hotel del Coronado restoration project is staggering, requiring countless hours of detailed, technical craftsmanship. The largest of the hotel’s numerous stained-glass windows, consisting of 700 individual pieces, was painstakingly removed, dismantled, cleaned, and reassembled. This project has been a labor of love, dedicated to its extraordinary history and preserving that for generations to come.

The Horton Grand Hotel

Two landmark hotels, The Grand Hotel and The Brooklyn Hotel, were built in the early 1880s. These incredible hotels were located on F Street where one was eventually renamed The Horton and the other The Brooks-Kahle Saddlery due to the saddlery on the bottom level. These hotels were a result of San Diego’s first transcontinental railroad connection in 1885, which increased the need for accommodation in the city. Sadly, in the late 1970s, both hotels were scheduled for demolition to make way for more modern ventures. A prominent developer, Dan Pearson, took it upon himself to save the remarkable buildings by having them dismantled brick by brick. Each piece of the hotels was carefully cataloged and stored until they could be rebuilt in 1984. Over $12 million was spent on the deconstruction, storage, and restoration of the hotels.  Architect Wayne Donaldson joined the hotels, linking them with a shared atrium. Under the watchful eyes of Donaldson and Pearson, the original Grand Hotel stayed true to its stunning Italian Baroque Revival style while the Brooklyn Hotel remains in line with classic Victorian Americana. Both have been lovingly restored and maintained, giving them new life at 311 Island Avenue in the iconic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. The new Horton Grand Hotel officially opened its doors in 1986 and has maintained its status as a world-class hotel since then. It has hosted visitors from across the globe who have been lucky enough to enjoy the incredible homage to two classic hotels that spent many years in pieces, only to be reborn as a San Diego icon.

Balboa Park Botanical Building

The Botanical Building in Balboa Park is an architectural marvel home to hundreds of plant species. The renovation project that started in 2021 was assigned a budget of $26,453,000 to complete a total restoration of the historic building. The project included structural improvements such as replacing wood lath areas, window arcade repairs, upgrades, expansion, and improvements to the building’s accessibility. The project’s second phase focused on exterior remodels such as landscaping, redesigned irrigation systems, and an overhaul of the pergola. The goal of the project was to restore the building to its original design from 1915, which had been altered during a renovation in the 1950s and further projects in the early 2000s. Once the extent of the water damage was revealed, the project timeline was extended by eight months. To protect the rare fauna housed in the Botanical Building, the plants were carefully cataloged and moved to other nurseries to be cared for during construction. However, the sheer number and size of some plant species meant they had to stay put throughout the project. The remaining plants required meticulous planning and precise movements to prevent long-term damage. The refurbished building was reopened to the public on December 6th, 2024. The building now has its original charm, with the added benefits of modern upgrades. Interior misters and sophisticated lighting systems pair beautifully with classic Palladian windows and a gorgeous pergola that had been absent for far too long. Visitors and residents can now enjoy the Balboa Park Botanical Building for decades.

The House of Charm Museum

In 1915, San Diego hosted the Panama-California Exposition. The Mingei International Museum occupies one of the several Spanish Revival buildings built to house various exhibitions: The House of Charm. Also located in the incredible Balboa Park, the museum now boasts an education center to give students the chance to learn about art and explore their own creativity in a meaningful way. Originally, the stunning building had only one entrance that allowed the public to access the 20,000-square-foot commons level. One of the main goals of the major restoration project was to add more entryways to further open the building to visitors. The improved commons level has free admission, with the goal of inviting a more accessible interaction with art and the discourse surrounding it. A previously defunct loading dock is now a 1,700-square-foot theater for concerts, films, lectures, and events to create more opportunities for the community to experience the power of art. The House of Charm restoration has further solidified the legacy of the museum and the art within, giving talented artists a place to exhibit their work that celebrates California and the people that live there. The House of Charm building has had many names in its long life, including the Mining Building, the Indian Arts Building, and the Science of Man Building. The historic landmark has been home to incredible exhibitions that have exposed visitors to the wonders of art and science from all over the world. It is now fully restored and ready to enter its next era of exploration, education, and creative expression. From Historic Landmarks to Home Renovations We hope this look at the iconic remodeled buildings of San Diego has inspired you to consider what may be possible for your own home. With so many possibilities, you can create an entirely new space or revitalize the original beauty of a classic home. Contact Jeff Seals Remodeling for your home remodeling to discuss your ideas because no matter what your remodeling dream is, we can help you turn it into a reality.