Now dwarfed by the city’s modern skyscrapers, the ten-story St. James was once the tallest building in San Diego. In 1914, the San Diego Union extolled it as “first class in every respect, with excellent service.” The hotel featured 146 rooms, a . . . — — Map (db m51793) HM
While it appears to be part of the Quin Building, this structure is actually a separate addition built by Thomas Quin. Between 1930 and 1944, it was leased to several proprietors, and operated as an automobile service garage known as the Empire . . . — — Map (db m52685) HM
The original building on this site housed Klauber’s and Levi’s wholesale business. It suffered from a collapsed foundation in 1887 and was destroyed by fire in 1888. Rebuilt in 1889, this building continued to be home to Abraham Klauber’s and Simon . . . — — Map (db m278924) HM
This brick building with its cast iron columns was constructed for F.W. Brown in 1900. In 1908 the Brunswig Drug Company moved in and operated here until 1960. The date on the top center of the building refers to the founding date of the company. In . . . — — Map (db m278966) HM
In 1886, Till Burnes leased this structure as his Acme Saloon. Here he kept his menagerie which included a wildcat, noisy monkeys, an anteater, and his pet bear who escaped on a least two occasions. The bear was also known to lick the face or even . . . — — Map (db m109358) HM
Constructed to house the wholesale business of Todd and Hawley, which operated here until 1902. Their stock was purchased by Lyons Implement Company, which carried a complete line of Studebaker vehicles, including buggies and wagons. Along with . . . — — Map (db m172608) HM
The original tenants of the two-story, Oriental-theme structure were the Gee Goon Tong, famous for their help in plotting the 1912 revolution which formed the Republic of China. The Benevolent Society was founded in 1920 as an outgrowth of the Tong, . . . — — Map (db m52949) HM
The south half of this building was the Hop Lee Chong Laundry, a Chinese laundry in continuous use from the building's construction in 1923 until 1964. The north half was the home of several Oriental businesses such as the "American Company", . . . — — Map (db m52651) HM
This square, one-story, brick building has been used over the years by retail businesses. Part of it housed the Exchange Cocktail Lounge. It also has been a Mexican food restaurant and a card room. The other part of the building has been . . . — — Map (db m266076) HM
This three-story structure was built to replace the landmark Horton’s Hall, which was partially destroyed by fire. The building was designed for five storerooms on the first floor, and thirty offices on the upper floors. The San Diego Normal School, . . . — — Map (db m51597) HM
Two separate buildings were joined in a single facade sometime before 1921. The north half of this building’s first story was constructed circa 1868, the oldest documented brick building in the Gaslamp Quarter. W.A. Begole, who ran the hardware . . . — — Map (db m278971) HM
A joint effort of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges, this Classical Revival-style building required nearly a decade to complete due to a lack of money and materials. A parade kicked off the long awaited laying of the cornerstone, into which was . . . — — Map (db m51620) HM
This Romanesque building, with its 16-foot ceilings, large plate glass windows on the first floor, arched windows on the second floor, and heavily corbelled brickwork, was touted once as the finest two-story building in San Diego. It was constructed . . . — — Map (db m278591) HM
For many years, the bottom floor of this building was known as the Golden Lion Tavern, its legacy still evident in the original lion sculptures near the entrance and along the outer walls.
The stained glass windows on Fourth Avenue and some of the . . . — — Map (db m266077) HM
This Romanesque-style structure was financed by George Keating, but he passed away before its completion. His wife Fannie directed the completion, which is evidenced in the more feminine and decorative appearance of the upper floors. In 1893, San . . . — — Map (db m278338) HM
This building was the meeting place for various unions, including those for bartenders, cigar makers, theatrical employees, and the Women Union Labor Leagues. Also home to the San Diego Machine Shop, which operated here for four years during the . . . — — Map (db m172609) HM
Before its completion, 20 spaces of this building's second floor were rented to some of early San Diego's best known lawyers, making this an unofficial: headquarters for litigators. The first floor had a more literary history: In 1889 it . . . — — Map (db m266069) HM
This Victorian-style landmark was built by William Llewelyn, and housed the family shoe store until 1906. Thereafter, the building was occupied by hotels of several different names, and generally unsavory reputation. In 1917, the proprietors were . . . — — Map (db m278800) HM
Punctuated by twin rising towers, San Diego’s first granite building is an excellent example of Baroque Revival architecture. The four-story structure housed the Bank of Commerce until 1893, when entrepreneur Isidor Louis opened an oyster bar which . . . — — Map (db m278351) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m278968) HM
In 1881, George Marston located his third department store in this two-story Victorian Italian-style building. It remained here until 1896 when it was relocated to a larger building. Until the 1970s, Marston’s was the largest and most successful San . . . — — Map (db m77092) HM
The Mercantile Building is an extension of the Ingersoll-Tutton building to the north. This is evident in its matching architectural beauty. This structure housed several retail and service-oriented businesses, including A.M. Ingersoll’s ice cream . . . — — Map (db m51952) HM
This one-story building with 12-inch-thick walls was used as John Young's morgue from 1881 to 1885. John Young was the County Coroner, and claimed embalming to be his specialty. The basement vault was surrounded by ropes used to lower caskets into . . . — — Map (db m109363) HM
The Romanesque Revival style of this four-story structure is revealed in its brick coursing and circular lower elements capped by simulated stone towers. The face of the building retains its original appearance, with the exception of the fire . . . — — Map (db m279903) HM
This Florentine Italianate building features ornate 16-foot ceilings, 12-foot windows with brick arches, and a wrought-iron cage elevator. Two floors were added in 1887 to accommodate the San Diego Public Library. In 1900 the entire city government . . . — — Map (db m278344) HM
This building has been the home to several hotels beginning with the Midland in 1914. Later it was known as the New York, Seery, and finally Pacifica. In the 1930’s, it catered to San Diego’s military personnel. From 1917 to 1928, part of the . . . — — Map (db m52426) HM
The south hall of this building was first occupied by the Coffee Club Association which was dedicated to establishing places for refreshment without liquor or tobacco. From 1917 to 1954, Crane's Panama Lunchroom, known as Panama Café to the . . . — — Map (db m266074) HM
From 1910 to 1918, Muchleisen Tent and Awning Company, located in this two-story brick building supplied awnings for several buildings in the Gaslamp District. It later became Western Leather Supply, which operated at the site until 1930. . . . — — Map (db m266080) HM
This site has been the home to at least two buildings, both of which were used for retail shops. The first building was a two-story brick structure, which housed Thomas McCabe’s tobacco factory. E.Stewart, who bought property for $12,000 dollars in . . . — — Map (db m278717) HM
An example of a typical retail structure of the late 19th century. The Reed Wyman Hardware Company was managed by E.C. Field and J.C. Pierce. In 1908 they formed their own hardware store. Deliveries were made through a sidewalk access to the . . . — — Map (db m279901) HM
The Pioneer Truck Company was the first occupant of this building owned by Roscoe Hazard and Elwyn Gould. It was used as a furniture and van storage warehouse. In order to avoid extra handling the San Diego & Arizona Santa Fe Railroad spur tracks . . . — — Map (db m191981) HM
Holding true to its name, the Produce Market building has been the home to various produce companies. One of its more notable proprietors was the Nason Sales Company. They were the first company to import bananas into San Diego directly from . . . — — Map (db m191978) HM
Entrepreneur Samuel Fox built this four-story structure for a half of a million dollars. It was intended to accommodate his Lion Clothing Company, which was the sole tenant until 1984. It boasts 16-foot ceilings, antique oak wood paneling, heraldic . . . — — Map (db m279919) HM
Philip Morse, 1845-1932, Started the first major lumber yard in San Diego at this site in 1884 with financing from Dolbeer and Carson's Mill at Eureka, CA. This location served a large pier where sailing, and later steam, vessels unloaded great . . . — — Map (db m141057) HM
This solid brick building was once four-stories high with a basement. The first floor was for retail, while the upper floors were for offices and lodging. Unfortunately, the upper floors had to be removed, because the structure was weakened when the . . . — — Map (db m51731) HM
This three-story brick structure consists of a composition roof with an eighteen-inch parapet on top. It was constructed in close conjunction with the nearly identical building next to it. The first floor has been used for stores, consisting of a . . . — — Map (db m191969) HM
Numerous and complicated transfers are recorded since 1867 when Alonzo Horton first sold this lot for $150. In 1889, half of the building was leased to Ramona Wolf whose name was probably used by Helen Hunt Jackson for the novel Ramona, the somewhat . . . — — Map (db m191976) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m278917) HM
With its arched corner entrance, bay window, and corbelled brick cornice, this building reflects the originality of the architects Hebbard and Gill. Gill, the principle designer, had a preference for natural forms, over the highly ornate European . . . — — Map (db m109351) HM
The first theatre to be built with the new building ordinance for fire safety. It had two doors near the stage for fire escape and a five-foot-wide exterior passage on both sides and the rear for the protection of other buildings in case of fire. . . . — — Map (db m203194) HM
Architecturally, the Cole Block is typical of commercial buildings that were built downtown around the turn of the century. It has been only slightly altered since it was built by Albert Cole, a successful businessman who committed suicide soon . . . — — Map (db m278859) HM
Constructed in 1880, the Combination Store is one of the oldest brick structures still standing in the Gaslamp District, dating further back than the Yuma. Originally, the building was built for one store, and had a 36-inch parapet, a metal cornice, . . . — — Map (db m279898) HM
The medallion on the front of this building bears the initials of namesake Louis Fritz, the original owner and founder of the Golden Lion Tavern. The first floor was used as a restaurant and the upper floors were rented rooms. At one time, the . . . — — Map (db m278607) HM
The Hubbell Building is a three-story brick building constructed in the Victorian style. The lower floor has been used mainly for retail, particularly clothing stores. Some of the more notable shops were The Arcade, specializing in ladies’ fancy . . . — — Map (db m279907) HM
Known as the Lewis Brick Block, the upper floors were referred to as the Stingaree Hotel in reference to the area's red-light district. The main floor was used for a cigar and tobacco shop, billiard hall and revival center. This Victorian building . . . — — Map (db m109353) HM
This four-story, steel-framed building features distincitive architectural treatment. Conveyed through a red clay tile roof and decorative white glazed ceramic tile on the facade. It was used initially as a wine business on the first floor with a . . . — — Map (db m109352) HM
The facade of this building makes it appear as if it were part of the Fritz Building to the south. However, they are actually two separate buildings. The style is Modern Renaissance, and it is made of brick and steel. In 1885, the use of red and . . . — — Map (db m278601) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m279045) HM
This structure has been used as a hotel for the bulk of its history. Beginning in 1906, it has been known as the Hotel Van Dorne, the Hotel De Luxe, and the New York Hotel. The first floor has contained several business including a coffee and tea . . . — — Map (db m191977) HM
This three-story pressed brick building still boasts the name of one of its earliest and longest tenants. “The Onyx” still can be seen in the green and white tile inside one entrance and on the stained glass above the central doorway. From 1911 . . . — — Map (db m278346) HM
One of San Diego’s earliest skyscrapers, this building is an excellent example of the Chicago School of Architecture. The marble wainscoting, tile floors, and brass ornamentation are complemented by the original, ornate lobby ceiling. Replacing the . . . — — Map (db m279914) HM
This building was one of downtown’s first brick structures, and was owned by Captain Wilcox who arrived in 1849 at the helm of the U.S. Invincible. The ship brought the engineering crew that attempted to turn the San Diego River into False Bay, now . . . — — Map (db m279044) HM
Henry Timkin invented the roller bearing for the horse-drawn carriage, and was one of San Diego’s leading real estate investors. In 1894 he built this building at the cost of $7,200. It is most notable for the top brick overhang and the large . . . — — Map (db m51547) HM
The Davis house is the oldest surviving structure from San Diego's New Town. It is an example of a prefabricated, "salt-box" style home. Built on the East Coast, shipped around Cape Horn, and assembled in San Diego, The Davis House originally stood . . . — — Map (db m51791) HM
Before its name was changed in 1930 to the William Penn, this hotel was called the Oxford. In 1914, it was touted as “the only first class hotel in the hub of the amusement and shopping district.” It offered its visitors over 100 outside rooms with . . . — — Map (db m279912) HM
Although this building was not originally built by or used by Oriental tenants, its has found its home in the Asian community due to a succession of Japanese owners beginning in 1920. Under various proprietors, the structure was used primarily as a . . . — — Map (db m109356) HM
This California Mission Revival-style building was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of Irving Gill. The facade of the one-story chapel features a sloping red-tile roof over a central bell tower. The Chinese Mission, located in the building . . . — — Map (db m52947) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m52688) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m52690) HM
San Diego’s oldest Victorian hotel, the Grand Hotel was renamed the Hotel Horton in 1907, and is now the Horton Grand. In 1981, the Horton and the Kahle Saddlery, both located at different sites and slated for demolition, were disassembled, moved . . . — — Map (db m51358) HM
The first floor of this building has a colorful tenant history. The Goodwill Bar operated from 1906 to 1945. In 1945, Mike McIntosh and Sam Dini purchased the business. They were responsible for the "McDini" corned beef sandwhich of local fame. In . . . — — Map (db m279925) HM
In 1930, this Spanish Colonial Revival style structure was built in the heart of Chinatown for Thomas A. Quin. The top portion had two apartments, and the bottom floor was a combination storefront and storage space. Seven years after its . . . — — Map (db m52687) HM
The Quong Building is not only an historical structure, it has also been the site of archeological digs. The building gets its name from Mow Yuen Quong, a business man who operated the structure from 1889 to 1928. The building has been listed in . . . — — Map (db m52948) HM
Originally known as the San Diego Steam Cracker Factory, this brick structure has remained a bakery since its construction in 1884. During the first part of the 20th century, when the Gaslamp was deteriorating into a red-light district, the upper . . . — — Map (db m109361) HM
