La Jolla Historical Society

Restoration of the Historic Wisteria Cottage Begins
Exterior work of pergola.

The restoration project on the iconic part of the La Jolla Historic Society’s Wisteria Cottage began today with the restoration of the famed pergola.
Virginia Scripps commissioned Irving Gill to design the 100-year old namesake structure, which trains the wisteria vine at the entry of the Cottage, patterned after her half-sister, Ellen Browning Scripps’ original home, also designed by Gill.  The construction of the pergola was completed in 1909.  

Contractor and board member, Don Dewhurst of Dewhurst & Associates is in charge of disassembling the structure piece by piece and replacing it with vintage redwood researched and located in northern California by board member Tom Grunow, of Grunow Construction, known for his historic home renovations throughout La Jolla.  La Jolla architect Trip Bennett of Bennett & Associates developed the architectural plans for the project while local architect, David Singer, provided extensive council during the planning process.

The uprights were constructed to exacting specifications and the posts are designed to drop down into “wells” holding the pergola in place. To preserve the wisteria during construction, master gardener and board member, Betty Vale, pruned the wisteria down approximately 6-inches.  

“While the wisteria won’t be in full bloom this spring as a result of the meticulous pruning, it will now be enjoyed for years to come,” Vale said.

Don Dewhurst, Tom Grunow and Trip Bennett provided their services to this project as in-kind donations. 

The vintage redwood will be left in its natural condition to age over time.  The entire project will be completed in approximately four weeks.  Wisteria Cottage is located at 780 Prospect Street in La Jolla.
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(Note to media:  Interviews with Don Dewhurst, Tom Grunow, Trip Bennett and Executive Director, John Bolthouse available by calling the Society at (858) 459-5335).