Top Gun House

Last updated

Top Gun House
Top Gun House Oceanside 2023 from road.jpg
The house in 2023, from the road
USA California location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location within California
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Top Gun House (the United States)
Former names
  • Graves House
  • Graves' cottage [1]
General information
StatusCompleted
Location250 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
Coordinates 33°11′41″N117°23′00″W / 33.1946°N 117.3832°W / 33.1946; -117.3832
Construction started1888
Completed1888
RelocatedMay 20, 2022
Cost$1,050 [1]
OwnerMission Pacific Hotel
Technical details
Floor area500 sq ft (46 m2) [2]
Grounds2.75 acres (1.11 ha) [3]
Design and construction
Architect(s)Ed Durgan [1]
Website
www.famoushighpie.com

The Top Gun House, formerly known as the Graves House, is a historic landmark in Oceanside, California known for being the location in a scene in the 1986 action drama film Top Gun , starring Tom Cruise. It was built in 1888 and utilizes Folk Victorian styles, being one of the earliest surviving examples of it in San Diego County. [1] [4] As of 2023, it is in possession of the Mission Pacific Hotel and contains a pie shop. [5] [6]

Contents

History

The house in 2019, before the relocation Oceanside Top Gun House Jan 2019.jpg
The house in 2019, before the relocation

The lot was first purchased in 1886 by Dr. Henry Graves, a surgeon from Ohio, for $1,050 (equivalent to $35,607in 2023). It was to be used as a seasonal summer home for him and his wife Sarah and was completed in 1888. [lower-alpha 1] They continued to summer there until March 1905 when they sold it to Charles and Lillian Burlock. The Burlocks sold the building to Southwestern Realty in 1910 and it was purchased again in 1921 by F.C. Janssen. The Graves continued to be associated with the house until 1914, with locals still calling it the "Graves' cottage" until then. B.C. and Margaret Beers bought the building in 1926, selling it to Edward and Edith Deggendorf and Angeline G. Morgan in 1928 and 1929, respectively. Her son rented the house until 1966, sharing it with his family before selling it to an amusement park on the beach, called Pacific Holidayland, which closed in 1983. [1]

The house soon fell into disrepair but was bought again by Lynn and William Rego in December 1975, for $75,000. They repainted the originally brown house to its signature blue color. The Regos were contacted by Paramount Pictures, who were looking for a beach cottage as a film location, in 1985. The studio rented the house and the one behind it for two weeks in June and was prepared by the crew by removing road signs and covering curbs with sand. In Top Gun, the house was used as the main love interest, Charlie Blackwood's (played by Kelly McGillis) dwelling. [1] [7]

The cottage was included in a Cultural Resource Survey in 1992, being noted as "one of the few 1880s beach cottages remaining in near-pristine condition." In 2001, the Save Our Heritage Organisation listed the building in its Most Endangered List of Historic Resources due to a hotel planned to be constructed on the block. [8] In preparation for a new hotel, the block that held the house was cleared, destroying three other historic houses, including the one behind the Top Gun House that appeared in the film. A fourth, called the Pishon house, was saved by relocation. The Oceanside Historical Society helped maintain the house and put up a sign informing tourists and passersby about the historical significance of the house. A fence had to be erected in 2009 to prevent intentional damage to the house, as multiple people had been breaking in. [1]

S.D. Malkin Properties, Inc. announced that the house was to be restored and be used as the "centerpiece" of a new resort. It was relocated and restored a block north of its original location in the courtyard of the new Mission Pacific Hotel in 2020, reopening on May 20, 2022, a week before the release of Top Gun: Maverick , the movie's sequel. [9] The restoration cost almost $1 million. [3] [10] It is home to a pie shop, called High-Pie, and some Top Gun memorabilia. A replica of the Kawasaki GPZ900R Tom Cruise rides in the movie is displayed in front of the house as well. [1] [5] [6]

High-Pie

High-Pie, which opened in 2022, is the pie shop located in the house. It was created by Tara Lazar, a native of Palm Springs. There, she owns three restaurants, two bars, a hotel, and a catering company. A dessert concept worked best in comparison to the shop's small size and both Lazar and Scott Malkin, the owner of the hotel, were fans of apple pie. It is open from 10AM to 8PM daily. [3] The shop offers pies in apple, cherry, blueberry, lemon, and peach flavors, with Pie à la Modes and a variety of themed beverages. It also sells merchandise themed after the shop. [2] [11] [12]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Some sources erroneously report that the house was completed in 1887, but the South Oceanside Diamond, a local newspaper, stated that the house was nearing completion in its November 2, 1888 issue, as shown here.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coronado, California</span> City in California, United States

Coronado is a resort city located in San Diego County, California, United States, across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego. It was founded in the 1880s and incorporated in 1890. Its population was 20,192 in 2020, down from 24,697 in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Escondido, California</span> City in California, United States

Escondido is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. Located in the North County region, it was incorporated in 1888, and is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. It has a population of 151,038 as of the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oceanside, California</span> City in California, United States

Oceanside is a city on the South Coast of California, located in San Diego County. The city had a population of 174,068 at the 2020 United States census, up from 167,086 at the 2010 census, making it the most populous city in the North County region of San Diego. The city is a popular tourist destination, owing to its historic landmarks, beaches, and architecture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Jolla</span> Neighborhood in San Diego, California, United States

La Jolla is a hilly, seaside neighborhood within the city of San Diego, occupying 7 miles (11 km) of curving coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The population reported in the 2010 census was 46,781. The climate is mild, with an average daily temperature of 70.5 °F (21.4 °C).

<i>Top Gun</i> 1986 film directed by Tony Scott

Top Gun is a 1986 American action drama film directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, with distribution by Paramount Pictures. The screenplay was written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr., and was inspired by an article titled "Top Guns", written by Ehud Yonay and published in California magazine three years earlier. It stars Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a young naval aviator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. He and his radar intercept officer, Lieutenant Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, are given the chance to train at the United States Navy's Fighter Weapons School at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer and Tom Skerritt also appear in supporting roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North County (San Diego area)</span> Region of the San Diego Metro Area in California

North County is a region in the northern area of San Diego County, California. It is the second-most populous region in the county, with an estimated population of 869,322. North County is well known for its affluence, especially in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Poway and Solana Beach, where house prices range, on average, above $1,000,000. Cities along the 78 freeway have more mixed incomes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Junior Seau</span> American football player (1969–2012)

Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr. was an American professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL), mostly with the San Diego Chargers. Known for his passionate play, he was a six-time first-team All-Pro, twelve-time Pro Bowl selection, and named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He was elected posthumously to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ocean Beach, San Diego</span> Community of San Diego in California, United States

Ocean Beach is a beachfront neighborhood of San Diego, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Town San Diego State Historic Park</span> United States historic place

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a state protected historical park in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, California. The park commemorates the early days of the City of San Diego and includes many historic buildings from the period 1820 to 1870. The park was established in 1968. In 2005 and 2006, California State Parks listed Old Town San Diego as the most visited state park in California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hotel del Coronado</span> Hotel in California, United States

Hotel del Coronado, also known as The Del and Hotel Del, is a historic beachfront hotel in the city of Coronado, just across San Diego Bay from San Diego, California. A rare surviving example of an American architectural genre—the wooden Victorian beach resort—it was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1970 and a National Historic Landmark in 1977. It is the second-largest wooden structure in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California State Route 78</span> Highway in California

State Route 78 (SR 78) is a state highway in the U.S. state of California that runs from Oceanside east to Blythe, traversing nearly the entire width of the state. Its western terminus is at Interstate 5 (I-5) in San Diego County and its eastern terminus is at I-10 in Riverside County. The route is a freeway through the heavily populated cities of northern San Diego County and a two-lane highway running through the Cuyamaca Mountains to Julian. In Imperial County, SR 78 travels through the desert near the Salton Sea and passes through the city of Brawley and the Algodones Dunes before turning north on the way to its terminus in Blythe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California State Route 76</span> Highway in California

State Route 76 (SR 76) is a state highway 52.63 miles (84.70 km) long in the U.S. state of California. It is a much used east–west route in the North County region of San Diego County that begins in Oceanside near Interstate 5 (I-5) and continues east. The highway is a major route through the region, passing through the community of Bonsall and providing access to Fallbrook. East of the junction with I-15, SR 76 goes through Pala and Pauma Valley before terminating at SR 79.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surf Line</span> Rail line in Southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego

The Surf Line is a railroad line that runs from San Diego to Orange County along California's Pacific Coast. It was so named because much of the line is near the Pacific Ocean, within less than 100 feet (30 m) in some places.

California's 49th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California. The district is represented by Mike Levin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sprinter (rail service)</span> Hybrid rail service in San Diego County, California

Sprinter is a hybrid rail service operating in the North County area of San Diego County between the cities of Escondido and Oceanside, California, United States. The service uses the 22-mile (35 km) Escondido Subdivision of the San Diego Northern Railroad. Station platforms were constructed for the line's fifteen stations serving the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido. The line provides service to California State University, San Marcos and Palomar College. Sprinter service operates every 30 minutes and is targeted towards students and commuters.

The North County Transit District (NCTD) is the agency responsible for public transportation in Northern San Diego County, California. The agency manages the COASTER commuter rail service between Oceanside and San Diego, the SPRINTER hybrid rail service between Escondido and Oceanside, the BREEZE transit bus service, LIFT paratransit service, and FLEX on-demand and point-deviation service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oceanside Transit Center</span> Transit center in Oceanside, California, US

Oceanside Transit Center is a major railway interchange in Oceanside, California, serving both intercity and suburban/commuter services. The station is used by Amtrak on the route of its Pacific Surfliner service between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. It is also a terminus for two different regional transit operators – Metrolink, the commuter rail operator for the Los Angeles area, has two of its services, the Orange County Line and Inland Empire–Orange County Line, that terminate at Oceanside, while the North County Transit District, the operator for most of the public transport in the North County, has its COASTER and SPRINTER services also terminating at Oceanside. Oceanside Transit Center is also served by Greyhound Lines and numerous NCTD BREEZE buses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culture of San Diego</span> Overview of the culture of San Diego

The culture of San Diego, California is influenced heavily by American and Mexican cultures due to its position as a border town, its large Hispanic population, and its history as part of Spanish America and Mexico. San Diego's longtime association with the U.S. military also contributes to its culture. Present-day culture includes many historical and tourist attractions, a thriving musical and theatrical scene, numerous notable special events, a varied cuisine, and a reputation as one of America's premier centers of craft brewing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Central Railway</span> SoCal railroad system (1887-1889)

The California Central Railway was incorporated on April 23, 1887, with headquarters in San Bernardino, California. George O. Manchester was the President of the corporation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli</span> American chain of Jewish delis

Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli, or simply Ben & Esther's, is a small chain of vegan Jewish delis in the United States. Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2019, the business has also operated in California and Washington.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sumichan, Andrew (July 7, 2022). "The History of the "Top Gun" House". Visit Oceanside. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Woo, Candice (May 4, 2022). "Famous 'Top Gun' House Transforms Into Irresistibly Cute Pie Shop". Eater . Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Kragen, Pam (May 8, 2022). "Oceanside's famed 'Top Gun' house reopens as nostalgic pie shop". The San Diego Union-Tribune . Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Top Gun House". Oceanside Historical Society. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Hansen, Kristine (May 19, 2022). "The 'Top Gun' House Is Now a Stylish Restaurant—See Inside". Architectural Digest . Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Porter, Mark (June 17, 2022). "Take a look in the original 'Top Gun' house". Reuters . Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  7. ↑ Saperstein, Pat (May 27, 2022). "Original 'Top Gun' Location Is Now a Quaint Pie Shop in Southern California's Oceanside". Variety . Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Graves/Top Gun House". Save Our Heritage Organisation . Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  9. ↑ Bravo, Christina (May 13, 2022). "Visit the 'Top Gun' House in Oceanside Now Open as a Retro Pie Shop". NBC 7 San Diego . Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  10. ↑ Jennewein, Chris (May 22, 2020). "Oceanside's 'Top Gun House' Moved to Permanent Home at New Resort". Times of San Diego. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  11. ↑ "High-Pie's website". Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  12. ↑ Pezzetti, Leah (May 26, 2022). "History of Oceanside's new pie shop inside Top Gun House". ABC 10 News San Diego . Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.