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

Cotheret Building, 1903

Photographed by Maja Tajima, February 16, 2012

1. Cotheret Building, 1903 Marker

Inscription. Throughout the Gaslamp, this is the only building with an original second story balcony. The upstairs has operated as rented rooms under the names of the Cotheret, Ardmore, and Gaslamp Hotel. The Canary Cottage, run by San Diego's most notorious madam, Ida Bailey, was behind this structure. The narrow alley to the right provided Bailey's patrons access to the cottage and the Pan Tan Gambling House.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 8.)

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.

Location. 32° 42.562′ N, 117° 9.758′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Marina. It is on 4th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 536 4th 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: Frey Block, 1911 (here, next to this marker); Chinese Mission Building, 1927 (within shouting distance of this marker); Quong Building, 1913 (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone Lion (within shouting distance of this marker);

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a different marker also named Stone Lion (within shouting distance of this marker); First Emperor (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Horton Grand - Kahle Saddlery – 1886 (about 600 feet away); Quin Building, 1930 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. Cotheret Building, 1903 Marker

A newer marker plate has replaced the previous marker. The verbiage remains the same.

Photographed by Maja Tajima, February 16, 2012

3. Cotheret Building, 1903 Marker

Cotheret Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Maja Tajima, February 16, 2012

4. Cotheret Building

Alley to The Canary Cottage & <br> Pan Tan Gambling House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, February 23, 2012

5. Alley to The Canary Cottage &
Pan Tan Gambling House

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. This page has been viewed 1,420 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. 2. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. 3, 4. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. 5. submitted on February 23, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.