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

The McGurck Block, 1887

— Historic Building —

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. The McGurck Block, 1887 Marker

Inscription. From 1903 to 1984, the Ferris and Ferris Drug Store occupied this building. For a long time it was San Diego’s only all-night drug store and, for a period of time, actor Gregory Peck’s father worked as the night druggist. The building was also used as a post office and as a ticket booth for the Coronado Ferry. The upper floors of this three-story Italiante Revival building were used for rented rooms and became known as the Hotel Monroe in 1929.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 53.)

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 1903.

Location. 32° 42.705′ N, 117° 9.602′ 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 north on Fifth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 611 Fifth Avenue, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in

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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 Combination Store (a few steps from this marker); The Backesto Building, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Yuma Building, 1882 (within shouting distance of this marker); I.O.O.F. Building, 1882 (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); Montijo Building 1881 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lowenstein Building, 1887 (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 to the left of the entrance to the building facing Fifth Ave.

Also see . . . The McGurck Block Building.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. The McGurck Block, 1887 Marker

The McGurck Block Building, popularly known as the Ferris and Ferris Drugstore Building, was built on the northeast corner of 5th and Market in 1887. Although the original owner, Col. Edward McGurck, acquired the property in 1876 for $50, he elected not to develop it until several years later.

John T. Burkett, architect, designed the building, which is a stately, three story Italianate Revival structure featuring an impressive skylight from the third through to the second floor, segmented arch windows and eleven chimneys used for heating the upstairs rooms. The ground floor housed commercial spaces, while the upper floors served as a hotel. Early maps also indicate the existence of a three story wooden structure behind the building, which probably served as an outhouse.

Throughout the years, this prominent ediface has housed a number of prestigious businesses. In 1893, the Blochman Banking Company opened their offices in the McGurck Building. They listed their offices as “handsome headquarters.” Abraham Blochman went on to serve as the French Consul for San Diego for over 30 years, and his son, Lucien, was elected to the City
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

3. The McGurck Block, 1887
The marker is small, but can be seen under the branches of the tree in front of building facing Fifth Ave.
Council in 1897 and 1905.

As the years progressed many of the upstairs rooms became medical and law offices. One notable resident was the pet mynah bird of Dr. Bernard Gildea, who was supposedly one of only three such feathered friends on the Pacific coast.

(Submitted on July 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.