Historic Resources Survey of the Idyllwild Commercial Corridor

LSA completed a historic resources survey of the commercial core of Idyllwild, a unique mountain community in the San Jacinto Mountains, for the Riverside County Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA). In response to community interest, the TLMA wanted to determine whether the community’s main commercial corridor could be considered a Historic District under National Register, California Register, and Riverside County historic designation criteria. The survey involved the development of an extensive historic context statement that addressed relevant contexts and themes, including residential development, commercial growth, community institutions, and tourism. More than 117 acres containing 210 properties were surveyed using LSA’s custom-designed field collection application and database, the Historic Architecture Inventory (HAI). Photographs were taken of all built resources, and all intact properties that fit a historic theme were recorded using the HAI, which automatically created Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms. Through application of the historic context and a reconnaissance-level foot survey of the area, LSA determined the boundaries of a potential historic district, the Idyllwild Village/Fern Valley Corners Historic District, which contained 103 properties (57 contributors) constructed between 1915 and 1965. LSA also found several properties that appeared eligible for individual designation.

The survey was prepared within a framework of regular meetings and coordination with several members of the community, including the Idyllwild Area Historical Society, who took an active interest in the project. LSA was featured in the local paper twice and fielded several inquiries from interested residents and business owners. The Idyllwild survey provided the TLMA with valuable information and tools they will continue to use as they update the County Historic Preservation Ordinance and enter the process to designate the potential historic district locally.

Client: Riverside County Transportation and Land Management Agency

Location: Idyllwild, Riverside County