City Puts It in Writing: 20 Buildings Are Historic

Some of the city’s historical buildings were fitted Monday with bronze plaques recognizing their architectural excellence and contribution to the community’s cultural heritage.

Crews fastened inscribed plaques on 20 landmarks throughout town, among them the Combs House and Montanez Adobe in the Los Rios Historic District and Mission San Juan Capistrano and the Depot downtown.

“It’s really exciting,” Mechelle Lawrence, economic development administrator for the city, said of the project. “People will realize now how significant these structures are.”

Arch-shaped and engraved with a likeness of the familiar San Juan Capistrano bell, the plaques are 12 by 8 inches. Each includes the name and construction date of the building plus background and historical information. They are affixed to walls or set in stone.

The $1,000 decorative plaques were a gift to the city from the Decorative Arts Study Center. The nonprofit community group, which was formed in the 1980s to further the arts in the community, announced last October that it was closing and would donate its remaining $20,000 to buy and install the plaques.

The arts center, with the help of city officials and the Cultural Heritage Commission, selected the buildings. Most are prominent, historical and featured in the city’s walking-tour brochure. Some are privately owned properties such as the Domingo Yorba House; others, such as the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, are public buildings.

Information: (714) 493-1171.