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

Frey Block, 1911

Photographed by Maja Tajima, February 16, 2012

1. Frey Block, 1911 Marker

Inscription. The Frey Block Building contains a rich ethnic history. In its first few years, the Frey brothers from France operated a second hand store here. The site later housed several Oriental restaurants. Near one entrance, one can find a tile advertisement for the Kong Nam Cafe. In the 1950s, the corner became Crossroads Jazz Club, one of San Diego's most significant cultural landmarks. A showcase for local African-American talent, it was the birthplace of San Diego's jazz scene.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 10.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. 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 at the intersection of Market Street and 4th Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 345 Market Street, 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: Cotheret Building, 1903 (here, next to this marker); Chinese Mission Building, 1927 (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Quong Building, 1913 (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone Lion (within shouting distance of this marker); 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.

Frey Block Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, February 16, 2012

2. Frey Block Building and Marker

Frey Block Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, February 16, 2012

3. Frey Block Building

Kong Nam Cafe Tile image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Whittle, February 23, 2012

4. Kong Nam Cafe Tile

Frey Block Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Maja Tajima, February 16, 2012

5. Frey Block Plaque

This plaque is located on the northeast corner of the building, facing 4th Avenue.

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 1,316 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. 2, 3. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 4. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 5. submitted on February 16, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.