The inspiration for this post is a booklet titled, Coronado'sArchitectural Gems, prepared by the Coronado Historical
Association and Coronado Visitor Center. Most of the “gems” were
built shortly after 1887. The most famous is the Hotel Del
Coronado—completed in 1888.
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| HOTEL DEL CORONADO |
I have found the best way to explore is by bike, so off I go for
another excursion. This circling Coronado bike ride starts on the
trail in front of the Ferry Landing and heads east in the direction
of the curved, 200-foot-high Coronado Bridge. The trail follows the
Bay providing views of the skyline, naval station, and intermittent
boats sailing by—ranging from kayaks to US Navy ships. The ride is
made even more pleasant by the sound of the waves hitting the rocks
below. It also passes Tidelands Park that is very popular for weekend
picnics; and a quick stop to do some pushups on the vita course.
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| TIDELANDS PARK CORONADO BRIDGE |
The trail continues under the bridge and along the Municipal
Golf Course and then to the wide street of Glorietta Boulevard.
Glorietta is a great place to enjoy viewing some lovely old homes. I
particularly like the Charles W. Amos home, 600 Glorietta Boulevard.
It was built in 1921 at a cost of $6,000, the owner was a direct
descendant of Sir Francis Drake. Also interesting, is the
Thompson-Waggaman Residence, 848 Glorieta Boulevard, an example of
Italian Renaissance Revival architecture.This style was popular in
the early 1900s. The decorative windows and arches on the first
floor; and the more simple second floor, are typical of this style.
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| THOMPSON-WAGGAMAN RESIDENCE |
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| "FREEDOM" 2009 |
Continuing on past the Coronado Yacht Club, there is a modest
promenade facing the harbor which is home to a large metal sculptured
sailboat by Jon Koehler—titled “Freedom.” The unique 2009
design allows for the three sails to move with the wind.
Further down the harbor is the scenic boathouse which is now home
to 1887 on the Bay Restaurant. This is a Queen Ann Revival, designed
in the same style as the nearby Hotel Del Coronado. Elements typical of this style include a wrap-around front porch,
gables, overhanging eaves, towers, and a second story balcony. Built
before the Hotel Del Coronado, it served as a dormitory for the
hotel's construction workers.
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| BOATHOUSE-QUEEN ANN REVIVAL STYLE |
From here, I like to continue on the sidewalk in front of the
City Hall and Recreation Center before crossing highway 75 at the
stoplight. Straight across the street is the Pacific Ocean which is a
great place for a bench break; looking south you can see Imperial Beach and Mexico.
After a break, I walk my bike on the sidewalk (biking is not allowed
here) following the Ocean and enjoying a great view of the famous Hotel Del Coronado. The sidewalk ends at Ocean Boulevard.
Biking along Ocean Boulevard
provides views of the most impressive old mansions on the island.
Built in the early 1900s, many have historic designations. Among them
is the famous Claus Spreckels Mansion,1043 Ocean Boulevard, which was built by
John D. Spreckels as a beach home in 1907; and later given to his son, Claus, as a wedding gift. It is another example of the Italian Renaissance Revival style.
The Fitch-Baker Home, 519 Ocean Boulevard, was built in 1915 for
Howard Baker—a retired capitalist from Minnesota. It was later
purchased by Walter Fitch III, a mining engineer.
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| FITCH-BAKER HOME |
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| JESSOP-ISRAEL HOUSE |
I turn right on the last road before Ocean Boulevard leads into the
North Island Naval Base (not open to the public). Here I suggest
looking at a map because the roads curve and it's easy to get
confused. I usually follow Coronado Avenue around until it ends and
then cut over to Alameda Boulevard back to First Street.
Turning onto First Street there are some lovely old homes. A number
of them are “the Jessop houses.” One of my favorites is the
Dutch Colonial Jessop-Israel House at 624 First Street, built in
1907. J.Jessop & Sons was the most successful jewelry business
on the West coast for almost a century. Joseph Jessop and his six
sons built over 35 homes in Coronado.
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| ORIGINAL FERRY LANDING TICKET BOOTH 1886-1969 |
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