Huscroft House to receive historical distinction

Once a run-down albatross to the city of Costa Mesa, the now painstakingly restored Huscroft House became on Tuesday the first building to forge a historic-preservation agreement with the city. The Craftsman-style house was probably built in the early 1900s and was moved to Costa Mesa from Santa Ana in 1954.

It was donated to the city in the 1990s and sat on blocks at TeWinkle Park until John Morehart agreed to move it to property he owns on Bernard Street and restore it. Several years and more than $500,000 later, Morehart is wrapping up his work and has put the house up for sale.

At his request, the City Council this week adopted the Mills Act, a state program that offers tax breaks on historic structures if owners agree to preserve them.

The city has about 30 buildings that are considered historical, but city development services director Don Lamm said he only expects three to six owners to seek a Mills Act agreement. The Huscroft House will be the first.

— Alicia Robinson