Hays & Jackson

Carl B. Hays and Richard M. Jackson worked together from 1936 to 1942 under their firm, Hays & Jackson. During this period, they built 25 homes in Talmadge Park Estates Historic District (TPEHD) in the architectural style of Minimal Traditional.

The partnership between Hays and Jackson became a cornerstone of residential construction in North Park, a neighborhood that saw major development during this period. By 1939, Hays & Jackson had built over 600 homes and several commercial properties. Notably, the firm was responsible for modernizing the commercial buildings at 30th Street and University Avenue in North Park.

Before teaming up, Hays played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape of San Diego, especially through his work in the Spanish Eclectic/Revival style during the city's early 20th-century boom. Hays was born in Ohio on October 8, 1884, and moved with his wife, Matilda G. Hays, and their children to San Diego in the early 1920s. By 1923, Carl was listed as a partner in the real estate firm Hays, Howard, & McCoy in the San Diego City Directory. This partnership lasted until 1924, after which Carl Hays and his business partner Elmer McCoy continued to refine their signature floor plans that would later define neighborhoods like Kensington, Talmadge, and North Park.

In 1928, Carl and Matilda Hays established their own real estate business, and Hays worked solo until his partnership with Jackson. His new venture would remain successful until Hays’ retirement in 1942. He passed away on June 28, 1965, but his impact on San Diego’s architectural landscape remains significant. In 2016, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board posthumously awarded him the title of "Master Builder" in recognition of his contributions to the city’s built environment.

Hays built a home for his son at 4545 48th Street. His son was named William S. Hays, and he worked as a superintendent for his father’s company. He lived at 4545 48th Street from 1939 until 1950.

Less is known about Richard M. Jackson. He was born in Arizona on March 10, 1911. Jackson moved to San Diego in the early 1920s with his family and graduated from San Diego High School. He continued his studies at San Diego State University and the University of California at Berkeley pursuing architecture. After his partnership with Hays ended, Jackson briefly continued as a solo builder before partnering with Stanley C. Scott to form Jackson & Scott, Inc. in 1945. The firm carried on Jackson's work in the region, continuing the tradition of quality residential and commercial construction established by Hays & Jackson.

Jackson lived at 4734 Constance Drive from 1936 until 1938. It was a common practice for builders to live in the neighborhood where they were also building homes.

Resources

Feeley, Jennifer, Tricia Olsen, Ricki Siegel, et al. “Biographies of Established Masters.” City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (2020): 72-73. https://www.sohosandiego.org/enews/images/0121hrbmasterslist2020.pdf.

May, Ronald V., and Kiley Wallace. “Ben and Ruth Rubin House.” Historic Nomination Report (2019): 29-30. https://sandiego.cfwebtools.com/images/files/06.pdf.

May, Ronald V., and Kiley Wallace. “Enrique and Esperanza Aldrete / Carl B. Hays House.” Historic Nomination Report (2016): 33-37. https://sandiego.cfwebtools.com/images/files/5232%20Marlborough%20Drive.pdf.

Wallace, Alexandra, and Kiley Wallace. “Carl and Matilda Hays Speculation House #2.” Historic Nomination Report (2021): 25-29. https://sandiego.cfwebtools.com/images/files/Historic%20Nomination%20Report%20-%204849%20Canterbury%20Dr%20-%20LOW%20Res.pdf.