- Historical Place
- Performance and Sports Venue
- Performance Venue
- Public Places and Attractions
- Public Services and Government
2100 Pan American Road West
San Diego, CA 92103
2100 Pan American Road West
San Diego, CA 92103
The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic heart of San Diego, California. It is a 16½ block historical neighborhood in Downtown San Diego and is the center of downtown night life. The Quarter is home to many events and festivals, including Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, Street Scene Music Festival, Taste of Gaslamp and ShamROCK, a St. Patrick's Day event. PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres is located one block away in downtown San Diego's East Village. The area is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places as Gaslamp Historic District. Its main period of development began in 1867, when Alonzo Horton bought the land in hopes of creating a new city center closer to the bay, and chose 5th Avenue as its main street. After a period of urban decay, the neighborhood underwent urban renewal in the 1980s and 1990s, and is today an energetic business and entertainment district. The Gaslamp extends from Broadway to Harbor Drive, and from 4th to 6th Avenue, covering 16½ blocks. It includes 94 historic buildings, most of which were constructed in the Victorian Era, and are still in use with active tenants including restaurants, shops and nightclubs.own San Diego's East Village.
The Spreckels Theater Building was built in San Diego, California, in 1912. It was touted as "the first modern commercial playhouse west of the Mississippi". It was designed for philanthropist John D. Spreckels, and was meant to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal. It was originally created to host live theater performances, but was converted to allow motion pictures in 1931. It has been in continuous operation since its opening, with a few brief intervals for refurbishing.ArchitectureArchitect Harrison Albright designed the Spreckels Theater for the city's premier philanthropist, sugar heir John D. Spreckels. The building, which opened on August 23, 1912, was constructed to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal. As with many west coast buildings from this era, it is constructed of reinforced concrete and concrete panels with architectural terra cotta manufactured by Gladding, McBean. The six-story building has a marquee over the main entrance. The theater is a 1,915-seat auditorium with an ornate Baroque interior. The auditorium is open with no pillars or columns to obstruct sightlines. The number of seats was chosen to correspond with the Panama-California Exposition year (1915). The stage is 82 feet x 58 feet, and was one of the largest stages ever constructed. Even by today's standards, the theater meets most criteria to be considered state-of-the-art.
The Gaslamp Quarter is made up 16.5 blocks, from Broadway to Harbor Dr., between Fourth and Sixth Ave. With over 100 restaurants, nightclubs, bars and lounges, and a wide variety of boutiques, fine art galleries, spas/salons and unique shops, the Gaslamp Quarter is your go-to stop to shop, dine and play. Follow the Gaslamp Quarter on Twitter and Instagram - @GaslampQuarter Comment Policy: We love your comments, but please be respectful of others. We reserve the right to delete profane, abusive and spam comments and to block repeat offenders.
It takes something truly special to make people sit up and take notice… Opening in 1939 as a police headquarters, The Headquarters at Seaport returns fully restored as an historic world-class shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Delve into our intimate outdoor courtyard that boasts a flavor for every palate. A memorable day awaits you as you dine at one of our four world-class restaurants and shop at our array of specialty boutiques all located on the downtown waterfront.
The Hillcrest Pride Flag will be located on the median of Normal Street at University Ave and will stand 65' tall with a 30' rainbow flag. The monument is meant to celebrate the diversity of our neighborhood and will serve to recognize Hillcrest as San Diego's official LGBT cultural district. The Hillcrest Pride Flag is under the care of the Hillcrest Business Association.
El Cortez is a landmark hotel in San Diego, California. Built from 1926 to 1927, the El Cortez was the tallest building in San Diego when it opened. It sits atop a hill at the north end of Downtown San Diego, where it dominated the city skyline for many years.From its opening in 1927 through the 1950s, it was the most glamorous apartment-hotel in San Diego. The large "El Cortez" sign, which is illuminated at night, was added in 1937 and could be seen for miles. In the 1950s, the world's first outside glass elevator was built at the El Cortez. During the late 1960s and 1970s, the El Cortez fell on harder times. The El Cortez closed as a hotel in 1978 when it was purchased by evangelist Morris Cerullo to serve as an evangelism school. Cerullo sold the property in 1981, and the El Cortez was threatened with demolition until the San Diego Historic Site Board designated it as a historic site in 1990. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.Many of the original elements remain in place, though substantial interior modifications have been made. The building is the 28th tallest building in San Diego, based on its height of 310 ft (94 m).Early history (1927-1949)Construction and architectureConstruction of the El Cortez began in 1926 and was completed the next year at a cost of $2,500,000. The 14-story hotel was built by Richard T. Robinson, Jr., and designed by architects Albert R. Walker and Percy Eisen in a Spanish Churrigueresque style. The building utilizes the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. The hotel was built on the site of Ulysses S. Grant, Jr.'s home, 175 feet (53 m) above sea level. The building is named for the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.
The organ was manufactured in 1914 by the Austin Organ Company featuring its remarkable walk-in air chest and was installed in the Pavilion designed especially for it by architect Harrison Albright. The dedication of the Spreckels Organ launched the Panama-California Exposition on Dec. 31, 1914 and the Spreckels organ has played continuously since then.
San Diego History Center (SDHC) is dedicated to helping people of all ages learn about, and enjoy, the history of San Diego, and to appreciate how our past, present, and future are interrelated. San Diego History Center encourages fans to leave comments, videos, photos, and links on this Facebook page. However, admins reserve the right to remove content that is construed to be inappropriate and/or offensive. This includes, but is not limited to, content that is considered to be defamation, harassment, spam, or unauthorized proprietary solicitations. This page is not a venue to promote other Facebook pages or causes. Posts that contain incorrect or misleading project information will be deleted. Users who repeatedly violate this policy may be banned from the Facebook page.
Hornblower San Diego offers a rare, refined on-land option for special events: The Abbey. Originally constructed as an Episcopal church, this elegant 1910 landmark is San Diego’s only remaining Classic Revival structure and today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Company holiday parties, themed parties like Speak Easy Saloon, weddings, receptions, luncheons, awards banquets, wine tasting events, trade shows, fund raisers and more are perfect in the Abbey.
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park was the former San Diego Naval Hospital Chapel at Inspiration Point in Balboa Park. It is part of a complex of architecturally significant buildings with rich historical connections to the San Diego region's naval heritage.
Our Drinks Palace Bar cocktails are delectable and carefully hand made, without the outrageous downtown prices. An interesting, international wine list is presented, full of exciting and exceptional wines from around the world. With over five hundred Scotches and whiskeys, the largest collection in the Gaslamp, Palace Bar is a great opportunity to sample rare or unusual spirits and libations. A vast selection of craft cocktails are served, using fresh squeezed juices, and homemade purées, bitters and vermouths. Palace Bar also crafts a superior selection of barrel aged cocktails, and offers a remarkable assortment of imported and local San Diego beers. Relax In Style The Palace bar is a sophisticated, relaxing Scotch, wine, and cocktail bar in the center of the eclectic Gaslamp district. Located in the Historical Horton Grand Hotel, it is great place to relax with friends by the roaring fireplace, watch the game, or to make new acquaintances. Originally built in 1886 and moved brick by brick from its former location, this beautiful building is one of the most photographed hotels in San Diego. Newly remodeled, yet still retaining the elegance and sophistication of days gone by, the Palace Bar is a unique space that must been seen to be believed. Weekend Entertainment Electrifying, crowd pleasing local talent performs on Friday and Saturday nights at The Palace Bar. Local artists bring you a wide variety of live entertainment with music styles ranging from jazz to popular hits on a baby grand piano. Weekends transform the Palace Bar into a stylish, exciting place to relax, take pleasure in great drinks and enjoy fantastic music with friends. Palace Bar has the ability and capacity to host a wide variety of events from small business meetings to elaborate weddings in the Hotels many indoor and outdoor banquet spaces.
The SAINT FRANCIS CHAPEL is located in scenic Balboa Park on the south side of the California Plaza, across the street from the main entrance to the Museum of Man. Our Spanish Colonial-style chapel, built in 1915, is an unexpected jewel in our iconic setting. Its dignified decor features a blend of stark mission simplicity with tile floor, heavy beam ceiling, and classic bench seating, with an altar elaborately decorated in gold leaf. This lofty site features a wooden balcony that overlooks the whole setting, providing a birds-eye view of the entire space. This dignified sanctuary is non-denominational and hosts services of all faiths, making it one of San Diego's favorite choices for wedding and commitment ceremonies.
The U.S. Grant Hotel is a historic hotel in downtown San Diego, California. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is 11 stories high and has 270 guest rooms in addition to meeting rooms and a ballroom.HistoryThe hotel was built by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., son of president Ulysses S. Grant, who named the hotel after his father. Grant bought the Horton House Hotel and demolished it to construct the current hotel. Noted architect Harrison Albright designed the hotel. San Diego voters helped finance $700,000 for the $1.5 million needed to construct the hotel after Grant lacked the funds to do so. The hotel opened on October 15, 1910 and included two swimming pools as well as a ballroom on the top floor.The hotel's signature restaurant is the Grant Grill, which opened in 1952. It became a power-lunch spot for downtown businessmen and politicians, so much so that "ladies" were not permitted in the restaurant after 3 PM. In 1969 a group of prominent local women staged a sit-in which resulted in the restaurant abandoning its men-only policy.The hotel was refurbished in the 1980s, but fell upon hard times in the subsequent decade due to a financial slump. The hotel changed hands several times during the 1990s. In 2003, the hotel was purchased by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, who closed the doors for 21 months to renovate the building. It reopened in October 2006. The hotel is operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts as a part of their Luxury Collection.
The organ was manufactured in 1914 by the Austin Organ Company featuring its remarkable walk-in air chest and was installed in the Pavilion designed especially for it by architect Harrison Albright. The dedication of the Spreckels Organ launched the Panama-California Exposition on Dec. 31, 1914 and the Spreckels organ has played continuously since then.
The House of Charm is a historic museum building in Balboa Park, San Diego. It was built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition, and like most buildings from that Exposition it features Mission Revival Style architecture. It acquired its current name, "House of Charm", during the park's second Exposition held in 1935-36. It now houses the San Diego Art Institute and the Mingei International Museum as well as rehearsal space for the Old Globe Theatre. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Panama-California Exposition, 1915-1916San Diego staged the Panama-California Exposition in 1915 to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal and to call attention to the fact that San Diego would be the first American port of call north of the Panama Canal on the Pacific coast. In 1910 San Diego had a population of 39,578, San Diego County 61,665, Los Angeles 319,198, and San Francisco 416,912. San Diego's scant population made it the smallest city ever to attempt holding an international exposition. However, the Exposition was a huge success and was extended for a second year.