Rededication Planned at Andres Pico Adobe

The historic Andres Pico Adobe, a San Fernando landmark that has been closed for more than four years, will be rededicated Sunday at an afternoon fiesta.

Believed to have been built in 1834, the adobe is named for Mexican general Andres Pico, who actually lived at the nearby San Fernando Mission but whose son and family lived in the adobe during the late 19th century.

Located at Brand and Sepulveda boulevards in Mission Hills, the site is administered by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society for the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks.

The adobe was closed in late 1992 for structural reinforcement, but before work began, the January 1994 Northridge earthquake nearly destroyed the two-story building, said Ralph Herman, president of the historical society.

Society offices have continued to function from a trailer moved on-site. However, tours and film location shooting were suspended and monthly meetings were moved to nearby St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.

Under the $450,000 city project, the adobe walls at each end of the structure were rebuilt, reinforcement rods were installed in all perimeter walls and the entire roof was removed and replaced according to the original construction, Herman said.

“This is one of the finest examples of the architecture of the times in the San Fernando Valley,” he said. “We have sorely missed using it these past years.”

Sunday’s activities will include performances by soloists, mariachi, folklorico and Veracruz musical groups, charros performing rope tricks while on horseback and free refreshments.

The rededication ceremony, entertainment and other activities will run from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

An 1800s-style barbecue dinner will be available for $4.

For information, call (818) 361-6046.