Category Archives: Landmarks

One of Many……

The Simmons Hotel (1906) The New York Hotel (1906) 520 – 544 6th Avenue Architectural Stye: Early 20th Century Commercial Architect: Edwin Blachman Principle Contractor: Mortz-Trepte During the early 20th century, many small hotels sprang into construction in answer to the foreseeable need for accommodations for tourists coming to the proposed Panama-California Exposition. The exposition […]

Remnants of the Past

National City and Otay Railroad Depot 1896 5th, 6th & L Streets Architect: William Sterling Hebbard Architectural Style: Mission Revival On December 26, 1886, the San Diego Land and Town Company, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railroad, formed the National City and Otay Rail-way. This company was incorporated to design and market the railroad’s […]

From Corpses to Cafes!

When strolling in the Gaslamp, many are awestruck by the architecture and beauty of some of the buildings, while other buildings barely warrant a nod. In fact, many might wonder why they are even designated as historic. Never judge a book by its cover – some of these plain nondescript structures have very interesting stories to tell. One such building is the plain, one-story building just off 5th and Market called the Montijo.

What a Party!

The Lowenstein Building 1887 544 5th Avenue Architectural Style: Early Commercial Architect: Unknown Although Alonzo Horton initially sold the lot on which the Lowenstein building is located to Archibald H. Julian, it didn’t take long for Mr. Julian to transfer title to Willard Lowenstein, Tobias Czerinsky and J. Richfalsy. Lowenstein was a member of a […]