Overlooking downtown San Diego on a gently sloping hill sits the Villa Montezuma, a striking and unique example of eclectic late 19th century Victorian/Queen Anne architecture. Located at 1925 K Street, this romantic and colorful symbol of the 1880's was the creation of spiritualist, talented musician, singer and author, Jesse Shepard. The Villa was designed by Comstock & Trotsche.
It was built in 1887 for $19,000 with an additional $7,000 for stained glass windows, by Cheney & Leonard. This crown jewel of notable homes in San Diego weathered through a remarkable and tumultuous history, passing through many owners and circumstances. The Villa, long believed to be haunted, is in the process of renovations leading to its return as an historical home museum open to the public.
Built two stories high with a partial basement, the Villa includes a music room, drawing room, and pink room where Shepard lived. At the top of a narrow staircase leading up from the second floor, is an Arabesque dome. In this unique room is an unobstructed panoramic view of San Diego to Point Loma and to the far reaches of Mexico. Jesse Shepard most likely began his writing career enjoying the sweeping vistas as he wrote in this tower room, furnished with a desk and revolving chair.
The main floor of the interior is remarkably well preserved: the art glass windows, ceilings, walls, and tile faced fire places are close to their authentic 1887 condition. The recreated turn of the century kitchen brings to life the original living conditions of Boom town San Diego.The Queen Anne style construction found throughout the Villa includes an asymmetrical floor plan.
Jesse Shepard who was born September 18,1848, was graced with superb self-confidence in his talent and had the charm to bring about results. In 1869 he left for Europe without funds, letters of introduction or prior reputation. Undaunted, he found his way into the salons of Paris, where he showcased his musical improvisations and singing of operatic selections. His popularity and finances grew as he traveled from one country to another in nomadic style. Jesse eventually became world famous.
In 1876, Shepard visited serene San Diego on a musical tour where he sang and played at several old missions. In 1886 he became deeply involved in spiritualism. He returned to a bustling San Diego sometime in early 1887. With the principal financing of the Villa from William E. High, a wealthy rancher and land owner, as well as funding from a few rich townspeople, Shepard began building the Villa Montezuma. At this time he continued significant spiritual and artistic transformation, attracting many sober and solid San Diego citizens. However, he renounced the practice of spiritualism sometime in 1887. Instead, he focused on dedicating the second half of his life to writing under his new literary name, Francis Grierson. His works include "The Valley of Shadows" and "Lincoln the Practical Mystic."
In addition to his writing, Shepard enjoyed giving classical concerts in the music room. Years later,and living with reduced means, Shepard relied on Lawrence Tonner, his devoted secretary and companion for over 40 years and others, for assistance. At the age of 79, Shepard passed away on May 29, 1927 while performing a music recital in Los Angeles where he was living. His head bent forward and his hands rested on the keys of the last chord he had touched.
The Villa Montezuma spans an era when refinement and culture were elevated to the highest level. The estate provides a window to the past we must not forget.
Over the years, the Villa Montezuma was purchased and sold by many owners. In 1942 the property became a boarding house during WWII and suffered destruction to the spacious gardens and a portion of the decorative fence. In 1970 the Villa was designated a city historical site. In 1971 the City of San Diego took over ownership of the Villa and restoration begins under the direction of the San Diego Historical Society. In 1972,operation of the museum gets under way. The Friends of the Villa Montezuma (FOVM), in 1976, officially became an auxiliary group of the San Diego Historical Society. At this time, the City replaced two thirds of the foundation. The western side is still the original Victorian brick.
On March 18, 1986 the museum closed due to a fire caused by a sparking space heater that seriously damaged the second floor office and ceiling of the music room. Repairs were made and the Villa reopened. The San Diego Trolley Ghosts and Gravestone Tours took place until February of 2006 at which time the museum closed.
The FOVM incorporated as its own 501-c-3 nonprofit public benefit organization in 2006, and currently does business as the San Diego History Center, no longer under the Historical Society.
Two years ago many of the antique furnishings inside the Villa, were sold at auction in Los Angeles due to a down turn in the economy. Some of the important pieces, however, were bought back by the FOVM.
As of June 30, 2009, the Historical Society gave up stewardship of the Villa, and returned the care of the Villa to the City of San Diego. The City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department has been steward of the house for the last two years.
In November of 2009, in the face of a difficult economy, and an intense four year effort by the Friends of the Villa Montezuma to bring all parties together, the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency voted to provide $1,050,000 for the restoration of the Villa's foundation and chimney stabilization ($500,000 from donors of the FOVM, the city, friends and $550,000 from Centre City Development Corporation {CCDC}. With the exception of fixing the foundation, no internal repairs are needed. The Villa will eventually look as it did when Shepard owned the house.
Platt/Whitelaw Architects, hired by the City of San Diego, designed a restoration plan that will result in a quality restoration lasting for at least the next 25 years. The City will get underway with the restoration in early 2012, fixing a collapsed sewer line under the building first, at which time the City will put out a bid for the foundation restoration. In about a year or a year and a half,the museum will be reopened if everything goes according to plan.
Friends of the Villa Montezuma Inc, who are members of the American Association of Museums, hope to be the future operators of this historical site.
For further information on the history of the Villa Montezuma, walking tours, speakers, and other events go to: http://www.villamontezumamuseum.org
It was built in 1887 for $19,000 with an additional $7,000 for stained glass windows, by Cheney & Leonard. This crown jewel of notable homes in San Diego weathered through a remarkable and tumultuous history, passing through many owners and circumstances. The Villa, long believed to be haunted, is in the process of renovations leading to its return as an historical home museum open to the public.
Built two stories high with a partial basement, the Villa includes a music room, drawing room, and pink room where Shepard lived. At the top of a narrow staircase leading up from the second floor, is an Arabesque dome. In this unique room is an unobstructed panoramic view of San Diego to Point Loma and to the far reaches of Mexico. Jesse Shepard most likely began his writing career enjoying the sweeping vistas as he wrote in this tower room, furnished with a desk and revolving chair.
The main floor of the interior is remarkably well preserved: the art glass windows, ceilings, walls, and tile faced fire places are close to their authentic 1887 condition. The recreated turn of the century kitchen brings to life the original living conditions of Boom town San Diego.The Queen Anne style construction found throughout the Villa includes an asymmetrical floor plan.
Jesse Shepard who was born September 18,1848, was graced with superb self-confidence in his talent and had the charm to bring about results. In 1869 he left for Europe without funds, letters of introduction or prior reputation. Undaunted, he found his way into the salons of Paris, where he showcased his musical improvisations and singing of operatic selections. His popularity and finances grew as he traveled from one country to another in nomadic style. Jesse eventually became world famous.
In 1876, Shepard visited serene San Diego on a musical tour where he sang and played at several old missions. In 1886 he became deeply involved in spiritualism. He returned to a bustling San Diego sometime in early 1887. With the principal financing of the Villa from William E. High, a wealthy rancher and land owner, as well as funding from a few rich townspeople, Shepard began building the Villa Montezuma. At this time he continued significant spiritual and artistic transformation, attracting many sober and solid San Diego citizens. However, he renounced the practice of spiritualism sometime in 1887. Instead, he focused on dedicating the second half of his life to writing under his new literary name, Francis Grierson. His works include "The Valley of Shadows" and "Lincoln the Practical Mystic."
In addition to his writing, Shepard enjoyed giving classical concerts in the music room. Years later,and living with reduced means, Shepard relied on Lawrence Tonner, his devoted secretary and companion for over 40 years and others, for assistance. At the age of 79, Shepard passed away on May 29, 1927 while performing a music recital in Los Angeles where he was living. His head bent forward and his hands rested on the keys of the last chord he had touched.
The Villa Montezuma spans an era when refinement and culture were elevated to the highest level. The estate provides a window to the past we must not forget.
Over the years, the Villa Montezuma was purchased and sold by many owners. In 1942 the property became a boarding house during WWII and suffered destruction to the spacious gardens and a portion of the decorative fence. In 1970 the Villa was designated a city historical site. In 1971 the City of San Diego took over ownership of the Villa and restoration begins under the direction of the San Diego Historical Society. In 1972,operation of the museum gets under way. The Friends of the Villa Montezuma (FOVM), in 1976, officially became an auxiliary group of the San Diego Historical Society. At this time, the City replaced two thirds of the foundation. The western side is still the original Victorian brick.
On March 18, 1986 the museum closed due to a fire caused by a sparking space heater that seriously damaged the second floor office and ceiling of the music room. Repairs were made and the Villa reopened. The San Diego Trolley Ghosts and Gravestone Tours took place until February of 2006 at which time the museum closed.
The FOVM incorporated as its own 501-c-3 nonprofit public benefit organization in 2006, and currently does business as the San Diego History Center, no longer under the Historical Society.
Two years ago many of the antique furnishings inside the Villa, were sold at auction in Los Angeles due to a down turn in the economy. Some of the important pieces, however, were bought back by the FOVM.
As of June 30, 2009, the Historical Society gave up stewardship of the Villa, and returned the care of the Villa to the City of San Diego. The City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department has been steward of the house for the last two years.
In November of 2009, in the face of a difficult economy, and an intense four year effort by the Friends of the Villa Montezuma to bring all parties together, the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency voted to provide $1,050,000 for the restoration of the Villa's foundation and chimney stabilization ($500,000 from donors of the FOVM, the city, friends and $550,000 from Centre City Development Corporation {CCDC}. With the exception of fixing the foundation, no internal repairs are needed. The Villa will eventually look as it did when Shepard owned the house.
Platt/Whitelaw Architects, hired by the City of San Diego, designed a restoration plan that will result in a quality restoration lasting for at least the next 25 years. The City will get underway with the restoration in early 2012, fixing a collapsed sewer line under the building first, at which time the City will put out a bid for the foundation restoration. In about a year or a year and a half,the museum will be reopened if everything goes according to plan.
Friends of the Villa Montezuma Inc, who are members of the American Association of Museums, hope to be the future operators of this historical site.
For further information on the history of the Villa Montezuma, walking tours, speakers, and other events go to: http://www.villamontezumamuseum.org
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