Orchid The Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel welcomed riders back on July 25, 2023 after a months-long restoration project to the building that houses the Carousel. Built in 1910, the Carousel was brought to Balboa Park in 1922. Forever Balboa Park has owned and operated the Carousel since 2017. The Carousel earned a Historical Resources Designation by San Diego’s Historical Resources Board in 2021.
After 100+ years, the building that houses the Carousel was in need of structural repairs. The project restored the facade of the building to its original profile by removing the non-historic triangular roof extensions on the exterior, and stabilized the structure. The clerestory window frames were repaired, and repainted, including restorative work along the roof line. Both roofs were replaced, and historic photographs were used to guide decisions on roof design, materials, and paint color. Because the building had been modified many times, architectural features were carefully documented and compared to historic information. Wherever possible, original materials were preserved.
Each year, 150,000 park goers enjoy the Carousel. An Orchid Award would recognize the importance of the historic building that houses the Carousel, and assist Forever Balboa Park to care for it into the future.
Address:
1889 Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
Project Owner/Developer:
Forever Balboa Park
Contact Name/Email:
Elizabeth Babcock, CEO, babcock.elizabeth@balboapark.org
Project Architect/Designer:
Heritage Architecture & Planning; Mark Sauer Construction, Inc.; and MJ Structural Engineers
Yes, Forever Balboa Park has a remarkable vision for the park. The carousel is a fine example of more wonderful things to come
The Carousel looks amazing!!!!
WOWOWOWOW the Carousel looks amazing
The Carousel is looking the best its looked in years! Kudos to Forever Balboa Park for preserving this historic treasure for all San Diegans and visitors!
This carousel is a National treasure! I love riding it when I’m visiting family in San Diego ❤️ It most certainly has earned an Orchid Award 🥇
Beautiful job on the carousel.
The restoration is absolutely beautiful. We are so fortunate to have such a lovely piece of history in San Diego.
I love this carousel so so much! I’ve visited for years!
Our family has the fondest memories of this wonderful carousel. My father born in 1918, watched them build it, brought us kids to enjoy riding it, also my kids and my grandkids and soon my great grandkids will have the same thrill. May the carousel continue on forever.
The carousel is such a fantastic step back in time for all the youngsters
and the adults and friends who bring them here! So important to preserve the carousel that brings so many smiles & good times for everyone! I brought my niece and nephews here 20+ years ago!
The carousel is a treasure for all San Diegans and San Diego visitors to enjoy. It has been beautifully maintained and lovingly cared for. A very enjoyable place to visit.