Day 22 - Lujan House, Hagåtña, Guam
📌APIA Every Day (22) - The Jose P. Lujan 1911 house, located in Hagåtña, Guam, is a remarkable historical landmark that not only embodies the architectural heritage of the island but also serves as a poignant link to Guam's complex history. Constructed by CHamoru resident Jose Pangelinan Lujan, the two-story mamposteria structure showcases the Spanish-influenced construction method, utilizing coral stones from Hagåtña Bay. Lujan's intent to rent the house to US Naval officers adds an intriguing layer to its history, reflecting Guam's transition during the early 20th century when the island experienced the end of Spanish rule and the arrival of the Americans.
The Lujan House has weathered the tumultuous events of World War II, standing as a resilient witness to the Japanese occupation and subsequent American forces' efforts to retake Guam. The devastating impact of the war, including bombings and the restructuring of Hagåtña into city blocks, is a crucial backdrop to the house's survival. Post-war reconstruction efforts led to the loss of many historic structures, streets, and landmarks, making the restored Lujan House/Guam Institute a rare touchstone to life in pre-war Guam. The Guam Preservation Trust's meticulous rehabilitation, completed in 2010, not only preserved the architectural integrity of the house but also revitalized it as a space for the trust's offices on the upper floor and community use on the lower floor.
In addition to its architectural significance, the Lujan House is entwined with the broader narrative of Guam's history. The house served as the location for the Guam Institute, one of the island's first private schools during the Naval Era, further highlighting its role as an institution of learning. The Guam Preservation Trust's efforts in rehabilitating the house, along with plans to recreate the old road and install interpretive signage, contribute to the preservation of Guam's cultural and historical identity. The house's listing on both the Guam and National Registers of Historic Places underscores its importance in safeguarding the tangible heritage of Old Hagåtña and commemorating the resilience of the island and its people.
LEARN MORE:
Guam Preservation Trust: Jose P. Lujan House & Guam Institute Centennial (.pdf brochure)
KUAM News: 2nd Pacific Preservation Summit to look at the technologies that drive culture
Stars & Stripes Guam: Get to know Guam: Hagåtña timeless as blood itself (Guampedia, 2023)
Guam Daily Post: Funding, staff sought for Hagåtña revitalization
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