Smiley Park, Redlands: Buying and selling in the historic district
Victorians, cottages and Craftsman homes a few blocks south of downtown Redlands, close to my Plum Lane office.
Smiley Park at a glance
Just south of downtown Redlands, roughly between Brookside Avenue, Cajon Street, Cypress Avenue and Buena Vista Street, the Smiley Park Historic District is built around Smiley Park itself: the A.K. Smiley Public Library, the Redlands Bowl and the Lincoln Memorial Shrine. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also one of the City of Redlands' local Historic and Scenic Districts.
Building began in 1887. Expect Queen Anne Victorians and smaller Victorian cottages, Classical Revival homes from around 1900 and Craftsman designs after 1908, on narrow lots with consistent setbacks, detached garages and, on some properties, original ribbon driveways.
Selling in Smiley Park
Character sells here, so the plan is to protect it. I'll help you separate the repairs buyers will notice, like tired paint, worn floors and dated fixtures, from original features that are better left alone. Before any exterior work, check the City's list of historic resources and talk with the Planning Division, because the district guidelines cover features such as windows, doors, roofing and garages. Staging stays furniture-only and scaled to period rooms, so the woodwork and windows do the talking.
Buying in Smiley Park
Older homes reward a careful look. I'll walk the house with you with a remodeler's eye and point out what deserves a closer look during your inspection period: the roof, wiring, plumbing, foundation and any past additions. If you plan changes after closing, we'll look at the district guidelines early, before you're committed.
Smiley Park: common questions
Is a particular home in the Smiley Park Historic District?
The City of Redlands publishes a list of historic resources that shows which properties are in its districts, and the Planning Division can confirm it for an address. I check this early for both buyers and sellers.
Can windows or doors be replaced on a home in the district?
It depends on the property and the City's review. Redlands' historic district design guidelines treat features like original windows and doors as part of a district's character, so ask the Planning Division before planning replacements.
Does historic status change how the sale works?
The purchase contract and escrow work the same way. What changes is due diligence: buyers should review the property's status and any rules for future exterior work during their investigation period.
Staging guide: home staging in Smiley Park (FastHomeStaging). More in Redlands: Redlands overview · South Redlands.
Your next move in Smiley Park
A fast sale or new-listing alerts. Or call (909) 841-7501.
Talk with Gary about Smiley Park
Call, text or email, whichever is easiest for you.