Mission Hills Heritage will showcase the San Diego neighborhood’s remarkable collection of midcentury-modern architecture at its 19th annual Historic Home Tour on Sept. 26.
Often overlooked as a modernist destination, Mission Hills is home to one of the region’s largest concentrations of midcentury-modern residences, including works by renowned architects Frederick Liebhardt, Lloyd Ruocco and Homer Delawie.
“If you’re an MCM design buff, you don’t want to miss this one,” says Barry Hager, MHH advisory director and co-founder. “We’ve never before hosted a tour dedicated exclusively to this iconic architectural style.”
The self-guided tour, which leads off from Mission Hills United Methodist Church, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature architecturally significant homes that showcase the hallmarks of midcentury-modern design: clean lines, open spaces, innovative use of materials, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Visitors will explore homes terraced into Mission Hills’ hillsides, a residence organized around a lush interior courtyard, and a home perched above a canyon.
The home’s interior. (Agents of Architecture)
“We’re not sure when we’ll offer a tour focused solely on these modernist homes again,” said event chair Sharon Lieder. “This is a rare opportunity to step inside some of Mission Hills’ most architecturally significant residences.”
A special highlight will be the Robertson House, a Lloyd Ruocco home owned by a local school and opening to the public for the first time. Guests are encouraged to visit the house last, where they’ll find refreshments and a midcentury-modern furniture exhibit with pieces by Eames and John Lloyd Wright, along with paintings by San Diego modernist Richard Marks.
A special addition this year, Classic Thunderbirds of San Diego, Chapter 24, will display several iconic Thunderbird automobiles dating from the 1950s along the tour route. With their distinctive midcentury design aesthetic, the cars complement the architecture of the homes and offer another expression of the era’s innovative style.
The tour begins with coffee and vendor displays at registration at Mission Hills United Methodist Church, 4044 Lark St. Guests will receive wristbands for access to each home and can explore at their own pace, with docents at every property sharing each home’s history and architectural significance.
Tickets are $50 for Mission Hills Heritage members, $60 for nonmembers, with staggered entry times; some time slots have sold out, so early purchase is advised. Tickets benefit the nonprofit organization’s mission to preserve the neighborhood’s historical assets. For tickets and more details, go to missionhillsheritage.org.