New travel center in Jamul to include restoration of historic landmark

A new travel center is taking shape in the backcountry community of Jamul, positioned adjacent to the Highway 94 corridor in East County.

Announced by the Jamul Indian Village Development Corp., Barretts Travel Center is currently under construction and is intended to create a modern space marking entry to the rural community.

"Barretts Travel Center represents an important investment in the infrastructure and cultural preservation of our community," Erica Pinto, chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village Tribal Council, said in a statement. "We are excited to create a space that not only meets the needs of our community and today's travelers but also celebrates the history and identity of Jamul."

The development will feature fresh amenities for travelers, including a restaurant, a convenience store, an energy fueling station and a community space for gatherings and cultural events.

Notably, the plan will include restoration of the iconic Barrett Ranch House, a historic 1891 Victorian farmhouse that has sat abandoned and deteriorating for years.

In 2022, the Jamul Indian Village tribe purchased 192 acres in Jamul, including the Barrett House property. Once home to Simpsons Nursery, a popular East County destination, the since-closed tourism spot became vacant.

Since, tribe officials have noted frequent trespassing and vandalism to the home, inspiring a master plan to redevelop the land. The restoration effort has already kickstarted, which included the demolition of two adjacent, non-historic structures, officials said.

The project will create new job opportunities, officials said, in hopes of drawing regional visitors to the community while improving conditions for travelers of the Highway 94 corridor, known informally as Campo Road.

With construction already underway, officials said further details regarding the project's timeline and completion will be announced in the near future.

"By combining modern infrastructure with cultural preservation and community-focused design, Barretts Travel Center sets a new standard for development that balances growth with purpose," Pinto said in a statement.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 2:07 PM.