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

Ingersoll-Tutton Building, 1894

— Historic Building —

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. Ingersoll-Tutton Building, 1894 Marker

Inscription. This Romanesque building, with its 16-foot ceilings, large plate glass windows on the first floor, arched windows on the second floor, and heavily corbelled brickwork, was touted once as the finest two-story building in San Diego. It was constructed at the cost of $20,000, making it the most expensive structure built in the city during 1894. One of the more notorious tenants was Dr. W. Kingsley, who was charged for illegally dispensing drugs in 1931. Despite that, he ran in every possible political election, but never made it past a primary.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 29.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 32° 42.844′ N, 117° 9.618′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is on Fifth Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 828 836 Fifth Ave, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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); Mercantile Building, 1894 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hubbell Building

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); Louis Bank of Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); The Onyx Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Marston Block, 1881 (within shouting distance of this marker); Panama Cafe (within shouting distance of this marker); Exchange Club (within shouting distance of this marker). 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. The marker is located just left of the main entrance to the building.

Ingersoll-Tutton Building, 1894 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. Ingersoll-Tutton Building, 1894

The marker is small, but can be seen next to the main entrance to the building in the photo.

Ingersoll-Tutton Building image. Click for full size.

San Diego City Clerk Digital Archives, circa 1970

3. Ingersoll-Tutton Building

Ingersoll-Tutton Building, 832 Fifth Avenue. Built in 1894, the building was originally divided into two ownership parcels, with an agreement for a common stairway, entry, and skylight on the dividing line between the north and south portions of the lot. It was touted as being the most expensive to build for its size at the price of $20,000. It is known for having a notorious tenant, Dr. W. Kingsley, who illegally dispensed drugs in 1931. Two restaurants now occupy the ground floor.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.