Preservation
IMPORTANT: Mills Act Fact vs Fiction Open Community Discussion event
What does the Mills Act actually MEAN for Orange — and for the property owners who participate in it? OTPA invites the community to a FREE open and informative discussion designed to separate fact from fiction and help residents better understand how the Mills Act works before the City Council meets the next day to…
OTPA October Preservation Workshop
OTPA’s October Education Event: “Earthquake Brace & Bolt” ProgramJoin us for a special program where we’ll learn from an expert with Nick Martinez Brace & Bolt, how to preserve and protect your home from seismic damage, and explore resources available that may help cover the costs. Open to all! An RSVP is necessary for this exclusive…
2026 Candidate Forum
RSVP to attend and submit a question RSVP to attend and submit a question
OTPA September Preservation Workshop
OTPA “PORCH TALK: Preserving the Places We Gather” A lively community workshop featuring a historic porch (and it’s family), a local architect sharing secrets of porch design and preservation, and a chance for Old Towne Orange residents to share some porch stories! What makes a historic porch special? It’s more than columns, railings, and woodwork…
IMPORTANT NOTICE re: Wed 8/5 Preservation Meeting
Historic Preservation Ordinance Draft & Mills Act Guidelines RELEASED – Your Voice Matters! The City’s draft Historic Preservation Ordinance is now available. This document also includes the organization of a Historic Resources Committee (name still TBD) which will replace the Design Review Committee. Also to be discussed/reviewed are the Mills Act Program Guidelines. Review…
URGENT PRESERVATION ACTION NEEDED BEFORE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, JULY 24
Key Legal Protections for Historic Places Under Immediate Threat Some of you may have heard of the incredibly concerning threats to Section 106. The urgency of these threats has not been overstated. We are taking this opportunity to further publicize the instructions put together by the California Preservation Foundation. We will continue to update you as opportunities…
OTPA August Preservation Workshop
OTPA’s “Illuminating Historic Homes” Old California behind the scenes tour! A behind-the-scenes look at how master artisans use traditional metalworking techniques and opalescent glass to craft historically authentic fixtures! Only 20 spots per tour! Claim your free ticket at givebutter.com/OTPAoldCA 🍊OTPA’s “Illuminating Historic Homes” FREE Old California Behind the Scenes tour! This month’s OTPA Education…
City of Orange Historic Preservation Ordinance Community Workshop
Join us for this important community meeting on the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance The City will be conducting an interactive community workshop to share information and solicit input on a new Historic Preservation Ordinance. The ordinance will be applicable to: Properties located in the City’s Old Towne Orange and Eichler Homes Tract Historic Districts; Historic…
MILLS ACT LETTERS – January 2026 UPDATE
January 2026 Update We are sharing the following updates regarding the City of Orange’s administration of the Mills Act Program: 1. Mills Act applications remain on hold.As of January 2026, the City has not provided an update on when new Mills Act applications may resume. OTPA continues to monitor this issue closely and will share…
Urgent Call to Action: Protect our City’s Historic Resources!
We URGENTLY need your support, in person on Tuesday, October 28th at 6:00PM at the Orange City Council meeting, and/or with an eComment to the City. Attend the Council Meeting in person with us on Oct 28 —at City Hall, 300 East Chapman. Your presence matters even if you don’t speak! To submit an online e-comment, go to: 1. cityoforange.org 2. Click on…
Keeping the Plaza Open to Cars: A Preservation Perspective
Keeping the Plaza Open to Cars: A Preservation Perspective In the heart of Orange, lies the Old Towne historic district. The epicenter of that districtis the Plaza District, a nationally recognized historic district that includes the 100 blocksof North & South Glassell and the 100 blocks of East and West Chapman. Within thePlaza District, at…
🤩Successful August Education Events!
We had 2 amazing events in August, FREE and open to the public with great turnouts for both! Quarterly Historic Marker Cleaning 🤩🍊🧼What a difference our helpers made in beautifying and cleaning the Old Towne @cityoforange_ca Plaza Historic Markers this past Wednesday! We had a great turnout putting in some elbow grease to help preserve and make…
Preserving Old Towne Orange: Honoring Our History and Securing Our Future
Preserving Old Towne Orange: Honoring Our History and Securing Our Future Old Towne Orange is not just a collection of buildings but a living testament to history, culture, and architectural beauty. With its charming streets and vintage homes, this area stands as one of California’s last intact early 20th-century neighborhoods. The preservation of these historic homes is…
New Spring 2025 Newsletter
Our latest newsletter has just been sent out to members and the Old Towne community! Click the link to catch up on our preservation efforts, upcoming events, and more exciting updates. If you have not received yours, or would like to join OTPA as a member get in touch with us now or view our…
May Preservation Month Free Workshops
Become a Preservation Enthusiast with our May NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH WORKSHOPS! OTPA is proud to offer a month’s worth of workshops, open to the community, free of charge! No RSVP is needed, choose your favorites to attend according to your interests and schedule, one or all! PRESERVATION 101SUNDAY, MAY 4 11:30am – 12:30pm PITCHER PARK – 204…
City Removes Preliminary Review – Here’s Why It Matters
Q: What recent change has the city made regarding the development project approval process?A: The city has removed the Preliminary Review process from the development project approval process. Q: Why is the Preliminary Review process important?A: Preliminary Review allows developers to meet with city staff and the public before submitting formal plans. It ensures that…