In the Market for History : New Heritage Center to Occupy Old Grocery

A 67-year-old building that served as the city’s first market and grocery will soon undergo a radical transformation, en route to becoming a visitors center and gallery designed to honor the city’s past.

The San Clemente Historical Society had originally asked the city for permission to incorporate a cultural center at Casa Romantica, the city’s most famous landmark. But because the city is involved in a lawsuit concerning the use of the founder’s home, the society’s request was put on hold.

That diverted attention to the 3,000-square-foot former market with a torn awning out front, which many acknowledge is no match for Casa Romantica, a Spanish-style house overlooking the Pacific.

Even so, civic officials contend the former market provides plenty of space and will serve as a more than adequate venue for depicting the city’s past.

“It is something the city has needed for a long time,” said Wayne Eggleston, president of the historical society. “We think this will become a real focal point for the community.”

Eggleston said the society has raised $12,000 of an estimated $50,000 necessary to fund the project.

The society will announce its renovation plans Sunday at an open-house tour of Casa Romantica.

“The Heritage of San Clemente” will open May 31 and include an art gallery, a gift store, a video conference room and four exhibits--the Nixon years in San Clemente, a tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps, legends of surfing and remembrances of the city. Local artists will sell their work in a gift store, along with other memorabilia.

The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 415 N. El Camino Real. There will be a $3 entry fee.

There is no cost for Sunday’s open house at Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada. Historical photographs will be exhibited and tours of the house will be available. An expected 1,500 can view a video of early San Clemente and of founder Ole Hanson selling lots in the early 1920s. Local artists’ paintings, prints and lithographs will be raffled off every 15 minutes.

“We want people to become aware of what a treasure we have here in San Clemente,” Eggleston said. “It’s a source of pride for all of us.”