In a cooperative effort with the Irvine Historical Society, The Irvine Company and the City of Irvine, the District helped preserve some of the area's historic structures from the old Irvine Ranch. One of the first refurbishment projects was an old windmill, slated to be razed to make way for a freeway project. The windmill now sits at the entrance to the Michelson Water Reclamation Plant. The District has also restored and relocated three historic farm homes to the plant site. These homes were built on the Irvine Ranch in the early 1900's and were scheduled for demolition. Included is one of the first homes in Orange County to have running water. Additionally, IRWD recently moved another historical farmhouse to serve as the caretaker's house at Rattlesnake Reservoir.