As one strolls throughout the Gaslamp, the plethora of restored Victorian era buildings is a sight for sore eyes. While they have maintained their beauty and appeal, these buildings also serve a purpose as each one did at the time of its inception.
The imposing, 4-story building was designed by the Quayle Brothers and their new partner, Charles Cressey, but actually constructed by an Oakland firm – Oliver Duval and Company. When the edifice was completed in 1913, it featured an open courtyard facing Broadway, which was later filled in.
Julian Produce Company Warehouse (1912) 679 J Street Contractors: A & H Brownlee Architectural Style: Italianate Revival /Commercial In the 1880s, San Diego experienced an exceptional land boom, which caused the population to expand from 5,000 to 40,000 in only a few years. However, a world-wide recession followed, and by 1890 the population numbered 16,000 […]
The Easter parade as we know it today, like many customs, has its origin in the Victorian era. Victorians were devout, and after attending Easter church services, were known to stroll through the streets showing off their Spring finery. The Easter bonnet became very popular during this period. And – it would have been impossible […]
The theater, a truly remarkable building, was begun in 1911 and completed in 1912. At the time of its construction, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in California, and one of few truly modern structures in San Diego, both in its use of materials and in the overall design.
Every March 17, the Gaslamp Quarter becomes the emerald jewel of San Diego, when ShamROCK arrives. San Diegans don green clothes, drink green beer, indulge in leprechaun-worthy shenanigans, watch parades, eat corned beef and even dye their hair green. Revelers celebrate all things Irish, and claim to be Irish, if only for a day. The […]
(Lewis Brick Block) (1885) 538 Fifth Avenue Architectural Style: Victorian Commercial Architect: Unknown This attractive little building came about through a carefully constructed party wall agreement between its two neighbors, Archibald H. Julian and Max Lowenstein. It came to sit snugly between the Lincoln Hotel and the Lowenstein Building (now known as The Field). A […]
It’s almost time again – the time that Hallmark refers to as “the most happiest time of the the year-“ or at least, the most profitable. You guessed it – Valentine’s Day, and time to select just the right card for your special someone. Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the Christian martyrs (St. […]
The Santa Fe Depot has served residents and visitors to San Diego for more than a century!
All purchases help us continue our mission and care for the oldest house in the historic Gaslamp Quarter- the Davis-Horton House!