Parra, Miguel, Adobe
Also known as: Parra Adobe
Why it's listed
Built around 1841, this small adobe near San Juan Creek in San Juan Capistrano measures roughly 18 by 40 feet and is made of sun-dried adobe bricks. It was one of the ranch adobes upvalley from the mission. Its symmetrical front has a central recessed doorway with side lights, flanked by two windows, all with pedimented wood surrounds that reflect Classical styling introduced through trade with New England. Miguel Parra, an Indian who lived there before 1880, was probably its first occupant, though its origin remains uncertain. Later it sheltered several families between 1887 and 1910, and in 1978 it passed to the city. A modern metal roof is the main alteration, and the building is regarded as the least altered adobe in Orange County, retaining an unusually large share of original material. Its significance was judged local and countywide, as an early farmhouse type along State Highway 74. Restoration was planned to follow federal standards.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is the least-altered of Orange County's remaining adobes, with an exceptionally high share of original fabric. It is an excellent example of Mexican Era adobe construction in the decade before statehood. Its pedimented window and door surrounds show early Yankee Classical influence brought by sea trade.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78000731, listed September 11, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 27832 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano |
|---|---|
| County | Orange County |
| Listed | September 11, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78000731 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architectural style | Mexican Era adobe with Classical Revival elements |
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Vacant and deteriorating, with a modern metal roof, boarded openings and temporary stabilization. The City of San Juan Capistrano owns it and has undertaken restoration for use as a cultural center. |
| Acreage | 0.2 |
| Coordinates | 33.50965, -117.64582 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78000731.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.