Oxnard Heritage Square is Proof that Preservation is Possible

Oxnard, Ca, the largest city in Ventura County has preserved its oldest Mansions through the Heritage Square project. This project was established through several community groups and citizens.

Premise: Preserving some of the oldest homes and mansions from destruction. The homes were built in the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Some were the homes of the architects that have built some of the greatest buildings in California.

When you go to the Heritage Square in Oxnard, it is like you have stepped back in time. The homes are so well built and huge. Oxnard has pulled off an excellent solute to history.

The restoration is so superb that one might feel inclined to attend the Victorian Christmas Tour in costume, like their docents.

Oxnard handles this by making Heritage Square the center of the Town. They hold summer concerts, weddings, and theatre performances in or on the property. It is sort of a mixed use concept that has cost the taxpayers very little if any money.

They utilize the Heritage Square as sort of a business park. All the old homes have been completely restored. They are then leased out to businesses such as restaurants, lawyers, and accountants.

During the week Heritage Square is the center of business, but on the weekend it becomes a tourist attraction. The church can even be rented for a little over $240 for a wedding. You just bring the minister and the people. The church also serves as an incubator for new churches. They can hold their meetings there until they get up the membership to rent their own building.

People can bring blankets and picnics for the summer concerts that are held at the Heritage Square. If you want to eat before heading off to the concert the consider La Dolce Vita. This restaurant also serves as the official caterer for those wanting to cater events at Heritage Square.

La Dolce Vita is a fusion of Mediterranean and Italian food. You can take cooking classes or hire them as a personal chef (if you live close by.)

The mixed use concept is creative and working for Oxnard.

Its strengths are location, no cost to taxpayers, excellent tourist attraction.

The City that Johnny Carson made jokes about is one of the best examples of what can be done when a community works together to preserve its heritage.

For More Information:

Heritage Square Visitor Center

(805) 483-7960

heritagesquare@aol.com

La Dolce Vita

740 South "B" Street

Telephone:

805.486.6878