210 Maple Street Headquarters – Phase 1 Renovation

[[insert photo from ground breaking]]

We are proud to reopen our historic facility located at 210 Maple, which serves as both our headquarters for operations and a collaborations space for community partners. Phase 1 of the renovation, with a cost of $750,000, was funded entirely by past and present League members to provide an inclusive, safe and functional space to serve its 1,000 volunteer members, 120 community partners and 1,200 youth exiting foster care.

Built in 1917, the historic 210 Maple was designed in the style of Irving Gill by the acclaimed architect’s nephew and partner, Louis Gill. The structure embodies many Gill design elements that are characteristic of the architect’s residential style. Notably, the two-story house was designed for San Diego Zoo founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth and his family. The property was originally landscaped by “Mother of Balboa Park” Kate Sessions.

Beginning August 2019, led by Martin Architecture and Irwin Building Company, the League underwent renovations of the historic property with the goal to create a place to connect, train, mentor and be mentored and ultimately develop exceptional San Diego leaders and community partners, through:

• A new training kitchen, offering community programming such as healthy cooking classes, meal assembly, outreach for the homeless and chef-led cooking programs for transition age foster youth
• Improved access and disability inclusion
• Flexible seating for trainings and meetings, and an outdoor veranda for community events
• Community access to high-tech multimedia tools
• A revised office space to serve as a hub for information, providing the tools and technology to make strides toward achieving a vision for an improved San Diego community
• A new lounge to serve as a warm and inviting retreat for volunteers and community guests to recharge
• A new records room to provide an archival history of the hard work dedicated League members have performed over the past nine decades
• Potential house rentals for events

“The Junior League of San Diego is thrilled to reopen our historic headquarters,” said Shauna Sliwkanich, president of Junior League of San Diego. “Our restored headquarters will serve as a dynamic and highly functional community meeting space that will allow us to continue serving San Diego in meaningful ways.”

This incredible facility honors those who have come before us and will inspire those young women who have yet to roam our halls as proud members of our League.