Congdon House Renovation
San Juan Capistrano

Restoration Performed by Christopher Construction
Chase P. Christopher, General Contractor

The Congdon House was built in 1876 by Joel Rathburn Congdon who is credited with introducing cultivation of the English Walnut into Orange County agriculture. It is the oldest wooden structure in San Juan Capistrano. The House is located within the Kinoshita Farm Agricultural Preserve, in immediate proximity to San Juan Capistrano's new Sports Park and planned Community Center.

The living area of the house is approximately 1,800 square feet with four bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room/dining room, kitchen, pantry, enclosed entry porch, an attic and root cellar. The Congdon House could potentially be listed as a California Historical Landmark and qualify for inclusion on the National registry of Historic Places.

The Farm was purchased by the City in 1991 and since that time a private contractor has operated the Farm. The Farm produces a variety of crops such as corn, strawberries, peppers, beans, tomatoes, artichokes, and other vegetables. The City will continue to use this land for agricultural purposes only.

On June 6, 2000 the City Council chose to restore the house using city funds, and hired Christopher Construction to do the Restoration.

• Congdon House History
• Congdon Family History

The Restoration

The two story wood framed structure had been used as a residence from 1876 to 1975. In the twenty-five years that have since passed, the building has received little care, and has fallen into a state of disrepair. The Congdon House Renovation Project restores the historical authenticity of the structure while providing modern practicality and safety. The intent is to retain as much of the existing structure as can be saved in a safe and cost effective manner. Where decay has made restoration impractical, or impossible, the plans require that materials be replaced with new materials fashioned to replicate the original.

Work includes: leveling and underpinning of the foundation, re-flooring where necessary, replacement of exterior siding, installation of new interior walls where required due to moisture damage, reconstruction of the front porch, new plumbing and electrical, new wood shake roofing, restoration of windows and doors and refinishing and repainting throughout.

• Renovation Journal

Chase P. Christopher creating video record in the house.

Christopher Construction and Consultants

Christopher Construction and Consultants was established in 1997. One of their specialties is the reconstruction of historical properties throughout the greater Orange County area. The company enjoys relationships with many of the cities of Orange County helping them to restore the heritage that reminds us of the greatness of the area that we live. Christopher Construction is proud to be a part of that heritage.

"They have gained a reputation in South Orange County for being a competent and punctual contractor with unquestioned integrity. Their ability to take on unusual projects makes them well suited for the Congdon House Renovations." - The City of San Juan Capistrano

The company's President, Chase P. Christopher has been a contractor since 1993. Chase P. Christopher, President of Christopher Construction is a native of Southern California, and was raised in South Orange County. After leaving the U.S. Navy in 1983 as a hospital corpsman with the First Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, Mr. Christopher began his Plumbing/Construction career in South Orange County. He's been a contractor since 1993.

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