Modernized inside. Unmistakable outside.
The best historic remodels are invisible on the street and completely modern inside. ADU PALS specializes in historic renovations across North Park, Mission Hills, Banker's Hill, Sherman Heights, and the county's other historic districts — preserving character while delivering the modern home you actually want to live in.
What's included
Historic work is a specialty. It requires understanding preservation standards, HRB review, and how to modernize without triggering additional review.
- 01 Historic status research (register listing, contributing status)
- 02 Preservation-compliant design
- 03 HRB or historic district review package
- 04 Character-defining feature documentation
- 05 Full architectural + engineering set
- 06 Historic tax credit consultation where applicable
How historic projects work
Historic screen
Property research, district status, HRB review requirement analysis.
Design
Design that satisfies preservation review while achieving your modernization goals.
HRB + permits
HRB or historic review submission running parallel to city permits.
Build
Optional in-house construction with historic-material-savvy subcontractors.
Common questions
01 How do I know if my home is historic?
Contact the San Diego Historic Resources Board (HRB) with your address. Homes can be individually designated, or contributing to a historic district. Both trigger review; district contributors are typically easier to work with than individually designated resources.
02 Can I still remodel a historic home?
Almost always. The rule is: preserve character-defining features (facade, roofline, windows, porch), and you have flexibility inside. Additions typically go to the rear where the street cannot see them.
03 What does HRB review add to timeline?
Straightforward projects: 2–3 months. Contentious projects: 4–8 months. We aim to design projects that clear staff-level review without going to the full board.
04 Is there a historic preservation tax credit?
Yes — federal historic tax credits (up to 20% of qualified rehab costs) are available for income-producing historic properties. State credits exist in California too. We help clients evaluate eligibility.
05 Can I demolish a contributing structure?
Very rarely, and never easily. Demolition of contributing historic resources typically triggers CEQA, community review, and a Certificate of Appropriateness. Most attempts fail. We'll tell you honestly what your chances are.
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Free historic screen. We tell you what you can do — and what you can't.