A community building with nearly 100 years of history in Oceanside reopened at a Saturday afternoon ceremony.
First opened in 1931 as a school, the Crown Heights Community Resource Center is now back in service following a renovation effort that cost more than $5 million.
The domed building at 1210 Division St. was built by famed architect Irving Gill, who moved to San Diego from the midwest in 1893. He was behind the construction of five buildings in Oceanside, four of which remain standing.
A group of folklorico dancers perform during the reopening ceremony for the Crown Heights Community Resource Center on Aug. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy of City of Oceanside)Originally, the building was used by the Oceanside Unified School District as an “Americanization school,” where Spanish-speaking immigrant students were encouraged to “abandon their native language and culture.”
That line of thought was not on display during the reopening event, which featured both mariachi and baile folklorico ensembles performing.
Oceanside’s Mayor, Esther Sanchez, did not shy away from acknowledging the site’s troubled period in a statement.
“This building’s story hasn’t always been an easy one, but for the past several decades it’s stood for something very different: a place where Crown Heights neighbors can find real support,” she said. “This is one of the largest investments the city has made in Crown Heights, and it’s a reflection of how much this neighborhood matters. We’re preserving a piece of architectural history while making sure the building continues serving neighbors every day.”
For most of the past quarter-century, the building has served as one of four resource centers operated by the city’s Department of Housing & Neighborhood Services. Members of the community can access referrals and services related to healthcare, social services, and fair housing legal assistance.
Additionally, the center hosts food distributions, community events, offers computers and Wi-Fi for public use, and the city contracts with Lifeline Community Services to provide after-school programs
The renovation included a historic structure assessment report with restoration experts. Crews built a new foundation, along with new flooring, plumbing, kitchen, restrooms, electrical systems, HVAC, lighting, stucco, and paint.
According to the city, the center’s historic windows and doors were restored and outside, the site has new concrete work, with new landscaping, irrigation, and fencing on the way.
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