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

Lowenstein Building, 1887

— Historic Building —

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. Lowenstein Building, 1887 Marker

Inscription. Max Lowenstein, the primary owner of this site in 1887, had this two-story brick building constructed featuring a skylight on the second floor, a brick chimney, and two iron posts, in the front. The early tenant history included dealers of dry goods and clothing, a wine and liquor wholesale business from 1892 to 1895, and the Mint Saloon from 1910 to 1915. In 1952, it was converted for use as the ABC Cafe and Pool Hall, which remained for many years.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 58.)

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 1887.

Location. 32° 42.666′ N, 117° 9.616′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is on Fifth Avenue south of Market Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 544 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: Montijo Building 1881 (a few steps from this marker); The Lewis Brick Block (a few steps from this marker); The Lincoln Hotel 1913 (a few steps from this marker); Timkin Building, 1894

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Higgins-Begole Building, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); Yamada Building, 1869 (within shouting distance of this marker); Callan Hotel 1878 (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinese Laundry, 1923 (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 located at the north end of the building, facing Fifth Ave.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. Lowenstein Building, 1887 Marker

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 119 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.