Builders are set to break ground later this year on three new townhomes with very old and cultured architectural inspirations. La Jolla Light reported that several new townhomes will be built along Coast Boulevard right where the Green Dragon cottages of yesteryear once stood.
The Green Dragon Art Colony is delicately woven into La Jolla’s history. Founded by Anna Held in the late 1800’s, the artist colony consisted of a collection of cottages designed by famed San Diego architect Irving Gill.
Art historian Jean Stern wrote that the cottages were a hub for traveling musicians and artists, who often stayed on the property in La Jolla while working at Hotel del Coronado. La Jolla’s art community flourished under the patronage of heiress Ellen Browning Scripps, who settled in the area three years after Green Dragon Colony was established. The colony was home to countless musicians, writers and painters over the years and became a famed retreat for well-known turn of the century artists.
La Jolla Light reported that late architect Robert Mosher’s family sold the Green Dragon property to its current owners decades ago. Mosher is honored for the design of Coronado Bridge and responsible for it’s blue hue, which bears his name. He had aspirations to build a hotel on the property in the 1980’s that didn’t materialize. According to the Los Angeles Times, the project was red-lighted 29 years ago this month for exceeding height restrictions and not meeting several other requirements. Green Dragon property’s current owners have repeatedly tried to develop the land and, until now, met with resistance.
The San Diego Planning Commission approved the project on the condition that the new townhomes incorporate architectural elements from the historic cottages. La Jolla Light reported that the coming townhomes will carry on the names of former Dragon Colony cottages, East Cliff, Gables and Jack O’ Lantern in addition to aspects of their architectural character.
For information about luxury homes in La Jolla visit our La Jolla real estate page or contact DeSouza Select Properties.
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