DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
Blas Aguilar Adobe The Blas Aguilar Adobe was once part of a
larger, two-part adobe purchased by Don Blas Aguilar, the last “Alcalde,” or regional governor, during Mexican rule of the region. Although the south wing no longer exists, the Blas Aguilar Adobe, which used to be called Casa de Esperanza, is all that remains of the north wing. The adobe is now home to a museum and is maintained by a non-profit organization, the Blas Aguilar Foundation.
Capistrano Depot Built in 1894, this red brick train station
was built by the Santa Fe Railroad and is one of the oldest Mission Revival style railroad stations in Southern California. The depot is rich in history: The roof tiles are said to have been taken from the Mission ruins, and during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt arrived at the depot on his way to Camp Pendle- ton for a visit. Train service at the depot ceased during the 1950s, and the station was boarded up between 1966 and 1974. Amtrak and Metrolink service began in the 1990s, and the depot is now also home to a favorite local restaurant, Sarducci’s.
Egan House Also known as Harmony Hall, the Egan
House sits directly across the street from El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant. The house was originally built in 1883 but had to be rebuilt after a fire destroyed parts of the second floor. Judge Richard Egan, known as the “King of Capistrano,” rebuilt the house using excess terra cotta bricks he ordered to build Casa Grande, the former estate of John Forster. The Egan House is currently a boutique but in the past has served as an office, galleria and restaurant.
Los Rios Historic District The Los Rios Historic District is the oldest
continuously-inhabited neighborhood in California. There are around 40 homes in the district that vary in age from 50 to more than 200 years old. Los Rios Street is lined with 31 historic structures on both sides, and the street itself is on the National Register of Historic Places. The street also includes three adobe homes
built in 1794 for families with ties to the early Mission period. Today, although many of the homes are residential, there are many businesses that are open to the public, including the Ramos House Café, Zoomars Petting Zoo and Ito Nursery on River Street and Hummingbird House Café in the Lupe Combs House.
Restaurant, the O’Neill Museum first served as home to Jose Dolores Garcia and later in 1903 to Albert Pryor. The home was named in honor of Marguerite O’Neill of Rancho Mission Viejo, whose family donated money to help move the home to Los Rios Street. Today, the O’Neill Museum is home to the San Juan Capist- rano Historical Society.
San Juan Capistrano Library Designed by Michael Graves, the San Juan
MIssion Basilica. Photo: Lindsey Jones
Mission Basilica Located just northwest of the Mission, the
Mission Basilica was completed in 1986. The Basilica’s design was based on the Great Stone Church, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812 and whose ruins still remain in the Mission. In 2003, the U.S. National Conference of Catholic Bishops designated Mission Basilica as a National Shrine and sanctioned it as a recommended place of pilgrimage.
Mission San Juan Capistrano As the birthplace of San Juan Capistrano,
the Mission is the definitive symbol of the city. The Mission is the seventh of 21 missions established in California and is known as the “Jewel of the Missions.” Founded in 1776 by Fr. Junipero Serra, the Mission has undergone several preserva- tion projects over the years and is still a place of great historical, cultural and religious significance. Throughout the year, there are several marquee events at the Mission, including concerts, galas and a summer program for kids. Visitors can also. For more information, visit mission-
sjc.com.
O’Neill Museum Originally located across the railroad
tracks and behind El Adobe de Capistrano
Capistrano Library received an award from the American Institute of Architects and Newsweek magazine recognized it as “the first authentic postmodern masterpiece.” The library currently houses more than 80,000 volumes, CDs and video, and there are several popular events at the library throughout the year, including the First Friday and First Saturday film series.
San Juan Capistrano Library. Photo: Lindsey Jones
Yorba Adobes Currently the home of El Adobe de
Capistrano Restaurant, the building was originally two separate adobes. The northern part of the building was home to Miguel Yorba while the southern part was used as a courthouse and jail and has also served as a post office, store and stage depot. The Vander Leck family joined the two adobes in 1910 and renovated them to serve as their home and a store. Clarence Brown purchased the property in 1946 and opened El Adobe two years later. Presi- dent Richard Nixon was a frequent guest at the restaurant while he lived in San Clemente. Today, the property is owned by Rancho Mission Viejo.
San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce | Business Directory & Visitor Guide 27
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