OXNARD : Historic Structures Are Being Restored

The intricate wainscot might have ended as firewood. The fireplace stones, carved with a storm-tossed boat and lighthouse, could have landed in a dump.

Instead, more than a dozen turn-of-the-century structures have been moved to downtown Oxnard and are being restored as Heritage Square. Craftsmen are putting finishing touches on 12 historic homes, a church, water tower and winery, all due to open in September.

“We tried to get a variety of architectural styles that were common in 1880 to 1910, when the city began,” said Dennis Matthews, administrator of Oxnard’s Redevelopment Agency.

The joint public-private project is at 6th and A streets, where five years ago stood a bus depot, dilapidated buildings, deteriorated housing and vacant land.

Eight houses are privately owned and are being refurbished as a restaurant, offices and shops. Two are being renovated by the city for sale; one will become the Redevelopment Agency office; the winery may become a visitors center. The church will be a community center.

By state law, a portion of city property taxes is retained by the agency to pay for such revitalization programs. The cost is split, with $2 million to $3 million from the private sector and about $5 million from redevelopment funds, Matthews said.

Most of the homes were farmhouses built by pioneer families on the Oxnard Plain. “Oxnard has overtaken those farmlands, which is why these things were going to be destroyed if we didn’t do something to save them and bring them back to life,” Matthews said.

Brick walkways, fountains and wrought-iron fencing are being installed around the houses. “We went all out to try to give these old buildings a quality setting,” Matthews said.