A historic ranch house in Jamul is slated for new life as part of the planned Barretts Travel Center at state Route 94 and Jefferson Road. The Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation says the 1891 Barrett Ranch House will be restored and turned into a community and cultural space within the larger project.

According to East County Magazine, the broader development will include fuel pumps, fast EV chargers, a restaurant and bar, and a convenience store. Tribal leaders say the project is intended to serve travelers on the SR 94 corridor while preserving an important piece of East County history.

The ranch house has spent years on preservation watch lists and has suffered damage from neglect and vandalism. The new plan would move it from an endangered landmark to an active public-facing part of the region’s backcountry gateway.

While the project is outside Santee, it reflects the kind of infrastructure and growth decisions that shape travel patterns across East County. Residents who drive SR 94 for work, recreation or access to backcountry destinations could eventually see new services along the route.

Construction is already underway, though no grand opening date has been announced. Jamul Indian Village officials say a timeline for the ribbon-cutting will be released in the coming months.