Eddie Hillard – Rancho Santa Fe Post

The Rancho Santa Fe Association (RSFA) Board of Directors and the Osuna Ranch Committee held a…

The Santa Fe Land Improvement Company Office Block extends from the corner of Paseo Delicias and Avenida de Acacias to the corner of Paseo Delicias and Via de Santa Fe in the village of Rancho Santa Fe. This historically significant commercial building was designed by architect Lilian Rice in 1923 before the Covenant was established. Ms. Rice, who was the supervising architect for the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company during the early development of Rancho Santa Fe, designed this structure to be the cornerstone and anchor of the Ranch's commercial center.

Ms. Rice incorporated the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style that would come to define much of Rancho Santa Fe's characteristic buildings. Her theme was "simplicity of design,” which contributed to the timeless architecture that has become synonymous with Rancho Santa Fe's heritage and charm. Today, the block retains much of its historical integrity and original architectural details from Rice's design. Its stucco walls, molded window arches, and intricate corbeled detailing along rooflines contribute to its distinctive charm and visual harmony with the surrounding structures. The Santa Fe Land Improvement Company Office Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical and architectural significance.

While preserving its historic character, the block now houses a mix of offices, retail, and Mille Fleur Restaurant, and continues to serve as the most important central fixture in Rancho Santa Fe's commercial district as shown in the 2024 photo below.

Author: Eddie Hillard

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