Irving Gill is one of the most important architects of Southern California. He came to San Diego in 1893 after working with Adler and Sullivan in Chicago. Gill was influenced by area Mission architecture. He even worked on the renovation of San Diego's Mission de Alcala. His style is modern in its simplicity and lack of ornamentation. The arch figures prominently, along with a flat roof, white walls and a unity of materials. Buildings connect with outdoor spaces through breezeways.
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La Jolla Historical Society offers a self-guided walking tour of his work. Gill is responsible for homes and public buildings throughout San Diego, including the fountain in Horton Plaza. I walked around La Jolla Village to see some of the buildings he designed.
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| The La Jolla Woman's Club |
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| This was commissioned as a residence, but is now a B&B |
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| The La Jolla Rec Center |
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| Gill also worked on The Bishop School |
Gill remodeled the Wisteria Cottage, which is now part of the La Jolla Historical Society. Because of construction on Prospect St., I couldn't get a good picture, but it is featured on the Society's website.
There are other Gill structures in La Jolla, outside of the Village, which I will visit another day. The best known home designed by Gill is the Marston house, near Balboa Park. I have visited, but need to return to take some photos. The interior is much more Arts & Crafts style than other Gill buildings.
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