El Cortez Hotel
The El Cortez Apartment Hotel, or simply the El Cortez, opened for business on November 23, 1927. Over 50,000 San Diegans, almost a 1/3 of the city population, toured the new tallest building in San Diego on its opening day. The main 12-story building, with 15-story tower, is flanked by two six-story wings. Construction was funded by Richard T. Robinson. Jr., who had bought the property in 1926. The Los Angeles firm of Walker & Eisen designed the building in the Spanish Colonial Revival style with a prominent California Churrigueresque entrance. The El Cortez was purchased by Morris Cerullo to serve as a home to evangelical ministry and training in 1978. It fell into disrepair and was threatened with demolition until the San Diego Historic Site Board designated it as a historic site in 1990. It is now also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Diego, San Diego County
Photographer: John Bare