20 plaques to identify historical city buildings

There was Chapman Billiard Parlor, Ozment General Store & Post Office and even the Costa Mesa Herald — a precursor to the Daily Pilot.

Now, local shops like the Goat Hill Tavern, Gen X Living and Estate Watch Jewelry & Loan stand in these former niches of Newport Boulevard’s historical 1800 block, though some local historians hope to preserve the city’s former center with plaques identifying its iconic storefronts.

The plan, proposed by the City Historical Preservation Committee, would use planned redevelopment on Newport Boulevard, mitigating the potential costs and easing strain on commuters, organizers said.

“This should really be an interesting project because it will really help people understand what was [in Costa Mesa] before,” said committee member Mary Ellen Goddard. “It’s the oldest part of our commercial district, and a lot of interesting history is there.”

The cost, estimated at $20,000, would provide 20 plaques for the city block. Funds would come from the city’s redevelopment fund.

— Chris Caesar