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

The Backesto Building, 1873

— Historic Building —

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. The Backesto Building, 1873 Marker

Inscription. At the time of construction, this building was at the heart of New Town’s original business district. Klauber and Levi, a pioneer grocer and general merchandise firm, occupied the ground floor from 1878 to 1886. In 1892, San Diego Hardware opened at this site, later relocating in 1922 to a new location at 840 Fifth Avenue. The structure was one of the first to be restored in the Gaslamp, and both its interior and exterior reflect the turn-of-the-century style.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 48.)

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 1878.

Location. 32° 42.709′ N, 117° 9.617′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Market Street, on the right when traveling south on Fifth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 614 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 McGurck Block, 1887 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Combination Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Yuma Building, 1882

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Casino Theatre, 1912 (within shouting distance of this marker); Timkin Building, 1894 (within shouting distance of this marker); Broker’s Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Montijo Building 1881 (within shouting distance of this marker); Old City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted on a wall, left of an entryway facing east towards Fifth Street.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. The Backesto Building, 1873 Marker

The marker is located at the left of an entry facing Fifth Street.

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

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

3. The Backesto Building, 1873

The Backesto Building, circa 1970 image. Click for full size.

San Diego City Clerk Digital Archives, circa 1970

4. The Backesto Building, circa 1970

Partial view of the Backesto Building at 5th and Market. Classy Cats Theater, the Saratoga Hotel and Bay Loans are on the ground floor. It was built in 1873, modified in 1887, and was one of the first buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter to be restored during the preservation in the 1970's. The 39 sleeping rooms, which were on the upper floor, were turned into business offices. Restaurants are now on the ground floor.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.