Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Louis Bank of Commerce

1888

— Gaslamp Quarter —

Louis Bank of Commerce Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. Louis Bank of Commerce Marker

Inscription. Punctuated by twin rising towers, San Diego’s first granite building is an excellent example of Baroque Revival architecture. The four-story structure housed the Bank of Commerce until 1893, when entrepreneur Isidor Louis opened an oyster bar which became a favorite of Wyatt Earp. The upper floors later became known as the Golden Poppy Hotel, a notorious brothel run by fortune-teller Madame Cora. Her ladies wore dresses colored to match the doors of their rooms. (Marker Number 32.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 32° 42.855′ N, 117° 9.603′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is on Fifth Avenue south of E Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 837 Fifth Avenue, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is

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in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nesmith-Greely Building (a few steps from this marker); The Onyx Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Ingersoll-Tutton Building, 1894 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hubbell Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Mercantile Building, 1894 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Watts-Robinson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Marston Block, 1881 (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheldon Block, 1888 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Keating Building (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker.

Louis Bank of Commerce image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. Louis Bank of Commerce

The marker is to the left of the main entrance, facing Fifth St.

The marker is located just to the left of the main entrance to the building, facing Fifth St.

Also see . . . A Sight for Sore Eyes: The Louis Bank Of Commerce.

Designed by well-known architects, Stannard and Clemment, this four story Baroque Revival structure possesses so many noteworthy and elaborate Victorian architectural features that it has been dubbed “The Queen of the Gaslamp.” It is also reputed to be the most photographed building in the Gaslamp. The building itself is composed of brick with a granite facade.Four large, three-sided bay window projections on the second and third levels are elaborately decorated in cast terra cotta and wood. Stone spandril panels between the second and third floors have a carved radiating motif.

(Submitted on July 11, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Additional keywords. prostitution

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.