Will C Everett Building / El Cajon Boulevard
W.C. and Irene Everett Building (1937)
The City of San Diego granted an appeal and reversed the historical designation of the W.C. and Irene Everett Building at 3093–3095 El Cajon Boulevard. It was designated a local historical resource in 2022.
The 777 square-foot building was demolished this week.
W.C. and Irene Everett, who constructed the building to use as W.C. Everett’s real estate office and rental space. In 1937 Will C Everett Realty moved from 3063 University Ave to a new Streamline Moderne building at 3095 El Cajon Blvd.
Source: San Diego Union, May 7, 1937
Source: San Diego City Directory 1944-45
1937 was a big year for El Cajon Boulevard. The roadway was promoted from Avenue to Boulevard, to signify its importance as Highway 80 and the major east-west corridor in and out of San Diego. This section ran in the San Diego Sun in 1939 to celebrate the occasion. Besides an ad for Will C Everett, there is Aubra Floral Stylist, who was also located in the now-demolished building.
Source: The San Diego Sun, October 29, 1939
Source: The San Diego Sun
.jpg)
The building also included a rental space. This ad is from 1939. White House Liquor was a tenant in 1942.
The building served as W.C. Everett’s real estate office until 1945. Miller Kelly Real Estate and Robert Hetzler Real Estate were there in the 1940s and 50s. At the end of the 1950 and into the 1960s it was Parkman Realtors. A travel agency was there in the 1970s.
Image: City of San Diego
Denim Exchange occupied the building in the 2000s and then an antique shop.
Botanica Chango was in the space until 2016.
Image: Google Maps
The final use was Soul Flow Studio, a community yoga and art space.
Image: Google Maps
Image: Google Maps
From the Historic Resource Board Designation (September 2022):
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Designate the W.C. and Irene Everett Building located at 3093-3095 El Cajon Blvd as a historical
resource with a period of significance of 1937 under HRB Criterion C. This recommendation is based
on the following finding:
The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics through the retention of character
defining features of the Streamline Moderne style and retains a good level of architectural
integrity from its 1937 period of significance. Specifically, the resource exhibits a flat roof
with a curved parapet, horizontal overhang, horizontal inset “speedlines”, curved building
corners, asymmetrical façade, smooth stucco cladding, and multi-pane wood storefront
windows, including curved corner windows
Modifications to the property include the property changing from two units to one in c.2001 and the demolition of the 1922 bungalow and detached garage in 2020. Other modifications completed at an unknown date are as follows: removal of an original door on the east façade, addition of a non-original window on the east façade, the addition of roofline light fixtures and the removal of the neon signage. These modifications do not significantly impair integrity of design, materials, workmanship or feeling as it relates to HRB Criterion C- Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction or is
a valuable example of the use of natural materials or craftsmanship. (Full Report)
No public testimony in favor or opposition on this item. SOHO submitted a written support of the designation.
On September 27, 2022, Naseem "Nick" Salem, poker player, former Palomar Card Club manager and Director of North Park Business Associates, LLC filed an appeal to the historical designation with the City Clerk. He was represented by Scott A. Moomjian.
Image: Google Maps
It took a few years, but the Appeal of the Historical Designation of the W.C. and Irene Everett Building (HRB# 1470) went before City Council on July 15, 2025.
The appeal claimed there were 3 Factual Errors, 3 Violations of Bylaws and Hearing Procedures, and 4 pieces of New Information. It was North Park Business Associates, LLC represented by Scott A. Moomjian who made the appeal.
In their presentation to City Council, City Planning Department
staff found no merit to the claims made for reversal and recommended denying the appeal and keep the designation.
staff found no merit to the claims made for reversal and recommended denying the appeal and keep the designation.
What I would consider the main claim had to do with a residential 1922 bungalow next to the building was more "...integral than originally described and the HRB relied upon these factual errors in materials and information in making its determination."
As seen in this photo from 2019, the commercial space was connected to the 1922 residential structure.
The current property owner had the residential structure cleared for demolition in 2020 and it was demolished in 2022. The plan was to incorporate the W.C. Everett building into a 60 unit mixed-use development.
Presentation of New Information - New information concerning the Property and
the common wall with the adjoining residence has been presented as set forth in the additional
materials filed in support of the appeal by Scott Moomjian, dated September 27,2024, and the
oral presentation at the hearing on July 15, 2025, to reverse the HRB determination. Specifically,
new information was presented in the form of maps that clearly show there was an access point
between the original 1922 single-family residence and the Property demonstrating that the
commercial building was an addition in 1937 and not a mere, stand-alone building. Additionally,
new information was presented in the form of City Directory listings that provide new context,
showing that the original owner lived in the adjoining residence and used the Property as a
commercial addition, information relevant to evaluating the building's independence and
integrity as it relates to the significance of the Property. This new information speaks to the level
of integrity required for designation.
However, the designation was still reversed by the San Diego City Council.
MOTION BY STEPHEN WHITBURN TO GRANT THE APPEAL AND REVERSE THE HISTORICAL RESOURCE BOARD’S DESIGNATION. Second by Sean Elo-Rivera. It passed unanimously.
The appeal did not have to go back before Historical Resource Board, although that board is currently filled with people financially benefiting from infill development and/or real estate dealings so it's doubtful they would have stood up for this great example of streamline moderne.
Real Estate built it and took it away just shy of 90 years later.
The same property owner recently built this eyesore 5-over-1 at the former Palomar Card Room site, which he once managed.
The same thing happened to another streamline building in 2022: Article
El Cajon Boulevard is the perfect corridor for more housing density. This building could have easily been incorporated into the project.
Image: Google Maps
Image: Google Maps
Superior Furniture Co. (1948)
Image: Melhorn Construction
Image: Google Maps