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NewsTimes of San DiegoAugust 28, 2026San Diego

The history and historic designation of the El Cortez Hotel in San Diego

The El Cortez Hotel, once San Diego's tallest building, is a historic landmark recognized for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and its role in the city's development. Originally opened in 1927 as an apartment hotel, the site was later designated a historic landmark by the city in 1990 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

historic preservationarchitectureSan Diego historyurban development
Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

The building serves as a protected historic site in downtown San Diego, preserving a landmark that transitioned from a luxury hotel to a residential condominium complex.

Key Facts

  • The El Cortez opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1927 as the tallest building in San Diego at 310 feet.
  • The original structure contained 117 units, consisting of 85 apartments and 32 hotel rooms.
  • During World War II, the roof served as a military site for an anti-aircraft battery and radar station.
  • The Sky Room restaurant was added to the 15th floor in 1940.
  • A glass exterior elevator known as the Starlight Express was installed in 1956.
  • The hotel closed in October 1978 and faced potential demolition in the 1980s.
  • The City of San Diego designated the building as Historic Site No. 269 in July 1990.
  • The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 17, 2002.
  • The building has been converted into 85 residential condominium units.

Who's Mentioned

personUlysses S. Grant, Jr.“Former resident of the property where the hotel was built.”personHarry Handlery“Purchased the hotel in 1951.”personRichard T. Robinson Jr.“Developer of the El Cortez.”organizationNational Register of Historic Places“Added the building to its registry in 2002.”personAlbert R. Walker“Architect of the building.”organizationCity of San Diego“Designated the building as a historic site.”personPercy A. Eisen“Architect of the building.”locationEl Cortez Hotel“The primary subject of the article, a historic building in San Diego.”