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

The Loring Building, 1873

— Historic Building —

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. The Loring Building, 1873 Marker

Inscription. The facade of this building makes it appear as if it were part of the Fritz Building to the south. However, they are actually two separate buildings. The style is Modern Renaissance, and it is made of brick and steel. In 1885, the use of red and black brick with Victorian woodwork produced one of the Gaslamp’s most unique facades. Renovations in 1908 resulted in the blending of the two facades, as well as in the construction of a third floor. Tenants included Arthur Loring’s Book and Toy Store, and the Gold Club Gym.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 37.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 32° 42.807′ N, 117° 9.617′ 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: 762 764 Fifth Avenue, 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: The Fritz Building, 1873 (a few steps from this marker); Pat’s Little Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Marston Block, 1881

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(within shouting distance of this marker); William Penn Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Mercantile Building, 1894 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pierce-Field Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Llewelyn Building, 1887 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hubbell Building (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 at the north end of the building, and next to the historic Spencer Ogden Building, painted in yellow and white at the corner of Fifth and F Streets.

The Loring Building, 1873 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. The Loring Building, 1873

The marker is small, but can be seen in the bottom right corner of the Loring Building in the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.