The Old Towne Preservation Association is a a public benefit non-profit organization formed as an emergency measure in February of 1986 to halt the demolition of historic homes that was erasing the history of this great city and the charm found in Old Towne Orange’s more than 1400 homes and businesses built before 1941.

It was OTPA who petitioned the State of California in 1997 to designate Old Towne as a Residential Historic District, placed in the National Registry of Historic Places. This makes it the largest, contiguous residential historic district in the State of California. OTPA’s constant efforts since its creation have protected and preserved Old Towne’s historic heritage and ensured that the rich tapestry of side-by-side historic homes remains.

OTPA works to maintain the historic integrity and economic viability of the area through education, community involvement, and service projects which support the concerns of Orange residents in preserving this neighborhood for future generations.

Our Preservation efforts covers City Council, Design Review Committee, Planning Commission and Code Enforcement meetings, speaking up on projects contrary to the Historic Preservation Design Standards and educating the public. These are the City’s regulations and codes regarding our Historic Districts, that keep Old Towne a rare pocket of yesterday’s charm.

Old Towne enjoys high property values, our kids go to quality schools, our streets are safe, we walk and dine around a charming Plaza and we pledge that OTPA will work to keep it that way, with your help and contributions!

OTPA's "Historic on the outside, Quantum on the inside: the Lydia D. Killefer School tour"

By Old Towne Preservation Association

OTPA's "Historic on the outside, Quantum on the inside: the Lydia D. Killefer School tour"

Explore this piece of fascinating history with a tour of the historic Orange school that was among the first in California to desegregate!