In 2007, several historic preservation and community groups in the Uptown area, including the University Heights Historical Society, came together to form the Uptown Historic Preservation Coalition because of concerns over the proposed Uptown Historic Survey.

The Survey, sponsored by the City of San Diego Historic Resources Board, recommended clearing over 7,000 properties in the Uptown area for demolition, which would have significantly impacted the historic character of our older urban neighborhoods, including University Heights

The Coalition was successful in stopping approval of the survey and quickly broadened its focus as other issues arose which posed significant threats to San Diego's older neighborhoods. These included revisions to the San Diego General Plan, changes to the Mills Act, and continuing problems with illegal demolitions and inappropriate infill development.

With this expansion of focus, the Coalition sought member organizations from older neighborhoods throughout the City and has more than doubled its membership since 2007. The Coalition is now composed of over a dozen historic preservation and community groups from throughout the city who are committed to advocating for measures that preserve the established neighborhoods and historic resources of San Diego for future generations.

The Coalition welcomes other community and historic groups concerned about preserving the character of San Diego's older neighborhoods.