San Diego's Kensington

The mid-city San Diego neighborhood of Kensington was conceived as a streetcar suburb. Composed of several subdivisions, the first was Kensington Park, mapped on April 8, 1910. The principals involved in developing Kensington were also involved in creating the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park, and it was hoped that the throngs attracted to the exhibition would find Kensington to be a perfect place to build a home. The development of Kensington Manor, Kensington Heights, Talmadge Park, and adjacent subdivisions would bring Spanish-style houses, tree-lined streets, and a commercial core. Prominent people such as Judge Joseph Rutherford, Sarah Fitzpatrick Harden, G. Aubrey Davidson, two former Mexican presidents, and numerous politicians made Kensington their home. Ideal location, well-preserved architecture, and the small-town sensibilities of longtime residents combine to make Kensington a unique and desirable place.
Alexandra Wallace holds her bachelor's degree in anthropology. Kiley Wallace holds his bachelor's degree in architecture and urban design. The Wallaces have authored numerous historical research reports for city, state, county, and national historical designations. Kensington resident Margaret McCann is a neighborhood historian, striving to preserve the unique elements of Kensington.