by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 14, 2025
VALLEJO – In an attempt to enhance campus security, Touro University is proposing to build a new guardhouse at the north entrance of the university located at the intersection of Azuar Drive and Talos Avenue on Mare Island.
Vallejo’s Architectural Heritage and Landmark Commission is scheduled to review the application on Thursday, November 20, which also includes the installation of a new six-foot wrought iron fence, a controlled pedestrian sidewalk entry, controlled vehicle entry, and additional lighting.
The seven-person commission is tasked with conducting design review for “restoration, remodeling, demolition, and development projects, which take place within the city’s designated historic districts,” according to the Vallejo Municipal Code, which describes the purpose and duties of the commission.
Mare Island is one of those designated historic districts.
“The proposed new guardhouse would not destroy any materials that characterize the
historic property. None of the historic districts contributing buildings or landscape elements are proposed to be altered as part of the project,” staff wrote in a report to the commission. “The proposed median and paving proposed to be removed to accommodate the construction of the new guardhouse are typical materials that do not characterize the property or its historic significance.”
The proposed guardhouse is located within the hospital complex portion of the historic district, according to a Historical Resources Impact Assessment prepared with the application. The complex includes a three-to-five story, L-shaped, reinforced concrete hospital constructed in 1926 as a general hospital ward built by the Navy.
The building is currently vacant.
Next to the hospital is a U-shaped, reinforced concrete, Mission Revival hospital ward
building, also constructed in 1926.
“Originally constructed as the ‘sick officers’ quarters,’ it is currently vacant and unused,” according to the same impact assessment report. East of that building is a one-story storage building constructed in 1918.
East of the proposed project area is a reinforced concrete building constructed
in 1928 for the hospital complex’s central heating plant and a two-story H- shaped, reinforced concrete building constructed in 1939 as the hospital corpsman dormitory. Both buildings are vacant and unused.
Over 60 shrubs and groundcover plants will be planted as part of the project, as well as light fixtures “installed would be consistent with those throughout the university campus, including fixtures that combine a historic design with modern functionality,” city staff wrote.
The Vallejo Architectural Heritage and Landmark Commission is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, November 20 inside the Vallejo City Hall Council Chambers, 555 Santa Clara Street in downtown Vallejo.
Members of the public may provide public comments during the meeting in person or via ZOOM, or via phone, by dialing (669) 900-6833
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