La Jolla Landmark at Crossroads: The Red Roost & Red Rest Saga

The heart of La Jolla's distinctive charm often lies in its rich history, embodied by structures that tell stories stretching back to its very foundations. Among these, the Red Roost and Red Rest cottages at 1179 and 1187 Coast Blvd. stand as indelible landmarks, considered the oldest structures in The Village of La Jolla, dating back to 1894 [1]. Their recent trajectory, however, has ignited a fervent discussion among preservationists, developers, and local authorities, spotlighting the complex interplay between progress and the safeguarding of historical integrity in La Jolla real estate.

A New Plan Ignites Controversy

Late in June 2026, a new plan submitted to the City of San Diego proposed a course of action for these long-neglected properties: reroofing the Red Roost to prevent further deterioration and, more controversially, demolishing the remains of the Red Rest cottage, which was largely destroyed by fire in October 2020 [1]. This application, which notably does not include plans to rebuild Red Rest, nor does it propose any interior work on Red Roost or seek occupancy, has immediately drawn strong objections from local historic preservation groups [1].

Both cottages, built for George Leovy and Dr. Joseph Fishburn, were recently included in the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, which received designation on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024 [1]. This designation underscores their cultural and architectural significance to La Jolla, making any proposal for their alteration a matter of public and historical concern.

The Battle Over Historical Integrity

Preservationists, including the San Diego-based Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) and the La Jolla Historical Society, are raising significant alarms. Bruce Coons, executive director of SOHO, emphatically states that "Those cottages are a character-defining feature of La Jolla and have been since 1894" [1]. He stresses their iconic status, appearing in nearly every early photograph of La Jolla, and criticizes the city's apparent backing away from a long-held position requiring reconstruction [1].

Critics argue that the city's determination that Red Rest no longer qualifies as a historic resource post-fire, and therefore its demolition would not adversely affect a historic resource, is unfounded. The La Jolla Historical Society's appeal asserts that this determination lacks substantial evidence and that the city improperly excluded the demolition from a proper historical resource impact analysis [1]. They advocate for a complete historical resources analysis, evaluating the impact on the Red Roost/Red Rest pairing and the broader La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District. The prevailing sentiment among these groups is that Red Rest should be rebuilt, utilizing original materials where possible to retain its authenticity [1].

A History of "Demolition by Neglect"

The current predicament of the Red Roost and Red Rest cottages is not an overnight development but rather the culmination of decades of what preservationists have termed "demolition by neglect" [1]. Despite their profound historical value, the cottages have been virtually unmaintained, passing through several private ownerships. Acquired by Denver-based Apartment Investment and Management Co. in 2014, the properties, along with the adjacent La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites, were later sold to a group of hotel investors in 2018 [1]. The October 2020 fire that destroyed Red Rest and damaged Red Roost occurred while the cottages were uninhabited and covered by protective tarps, highlighting the precarious state of their preservation [1].

Previous attempts to address the cottages' future have also faced challenges. In 2022, a preliminary application from La Jolla-based Alcorn & Benton Architects proposed rehabilitating the cottages for modern commercial uses and reconstructing missing historic features within a condominium project [1]. However, this application was suspended in 2024 due to inactivity, setting the stage for the current, more contentious proposal [1].

The Compass Perspective on Preservation

At Compass, we recognize that the enduring appeal of La Jolla real estate is inextricably linked to its heritage. While the market for luxury homes in Muirlands, Bird Rock, La Jolla Shores, or Hidden Valley often focuses on contemporary design and amenities, the historical properties within The Village of La Jolla, and even extending to areas like La Jolla Farms and near Torrey Pines, offer a different kind of value – a connection to the past that elevates the entire community. Our agents, deeply embedded in the La Jolla community, understand the nuanced importance of preserving architectural treasures. We engage with developers, property owners, and community stakeholders to facilitate discussions that respect both future development needs and the irreplaceable legacy of La Jolla.

The debate over the Red Roost and Red Rest cottages is more than just a local squabble; it's a testament to the community's profound appreciation for its roots and a reminder of the delicate balance required to evolve while honoring history. As the San Diego hearing officer prepares to consider the application, the collective hope is for a resolution that safeguards these iconic structures, ensuring they continue to contribute to the unique narrative of this cherished coastal community for generations to come.