The Marston House reopened Sunday after shutting down for four months for roof repairs.
The historic Arts and Crafts mansion hidden behind Balboa Park was constructed in 1905 for George Marston and his wife Anna Gunn Marston.
Marston was a department store owner and civic leader in San Diego known for helping create Balboa Park, Anzo Borrego Desert State Park and Presidio Park.
“Marston was very concerned about preserving the natural beauty of the city and that’s one of his greatest contributions,” Bobbie Bagel with the Save Our Heritage Foundation (SOHO) said.
Bagel is a docent at the Marston House, which was designed by William Sterling Hebbard and Irving Gill.
“Irving Gill was one of the leading modernist architects of America,” Bagel explained, “the house was very modern when it was built. Fully electrified with central heating.”
The Marston family lived in the house continuously from 1905 until 1987. It is now maintained by SOHO.
Local
The house is located at 3525 Seventh Avenue in Balboa Park. Tours run Friday through Monday, start every half hour and are 40-45 minutes in length.
More info can be found at SOHO's website.
