Historic Homes Farewell

REDLANDS, CA - In a region that prides itself on community heritage, Redlands Community Hospital literally went the extra mile to preserve two century-old historic houses. On Wednesday, June 28, two historic houses were moved from their current location on hospital-owned property at 204 and 244 Terracina Boulevard, north of the main hospital facility, to their new location on Clifton Avenue, near San Mateo Street. The houses were raised on beams and each cut into two pieces in preparation for the trek along city streets. They proceeded east on Olive Avenue, south on San Mateo Street, east on Cypress Avenue, south on Harding Drive, and west onto Clifton Avenue.

Redlands Community Hospital bought the properties in 2004 and 2005 as part of the hospital's expansion plans. The house that was located at 244 Terracina was built in 1891 and is referred to as the Shone House because it had been in the Shone family since 1963. The house that was located at 204 Terracina was built in 1903 and is referred to as the Reznicki house had been in the Reznicki family since 1958. The combined properties total approximately two acres.

After several attempts by the hospital to find an owner interested in historic preservation, the hospital was pleased when Dr. Terry and Geneil Vines came forward to purchase the houses during the past year. The Vines are already known for their purchase and restoration of the Barton House, the Pure Gold building and the hospital's very first 1903 site on Vine Street, across from Smiley Library. The Vines purchased the two historic houses from the hospital for the purpose of relocating them approximately one mile east of the hospital to 1127 Clifton Avenue, near other historic buildings.

"We are excited about receiving the two historic houses," stated Dr. Vines. "There will be a lot of work involved to get the buildings placed on new foundations and then completely restored. But we think the community will truly benefit from this historic move."

During the relocation efforts, a huge crowd of spectators lined the route to witness the historic move. Beverly Shone and Elizabeth Reznicki were also present as their former homes cruised down the street.

"It was pretty bittersweet to watch the homes being relocated," said Beverly Shone. "We had a lot of good memories there, but we're glad someone has relocated them instead of tearing them down."

The two houses were relocated as a community service by Redlands Community Hospital, which believed the unique architectural heritage of the community should be preserved. These historic houses will once again become family homes in the neighborhood.