By Jake Romero | Gaslamp Landmarks

[Editor’s Note: Each month the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation (GQHF) will share with our readers information about the many historical buildings found in the Gaslamp Quarter.]

Backesto Block 1873

This structure is one of the finest Classical Revival buildings in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and one of the first to be restored.

Designed by architects Burkett & Osgood and built by Dr. John Backesto who purchased the land for $300 in 1867, this structure fills an entire block in the heart of the historic district, along Fifth Avenue between Market and G streets.

Originally, this building was designed as a single-story brick structure, with a two-story addition completed in 1879.

It was during this time that the building’s most artful and successful architectural elements were added including a series of pediment windows running along Fifth Avenue and Market Street, elaborate cornice, skylights, special ventilation system, and iron columns fashioned at the San Diego Foundry. Building extensions were added in 1887 and 1888.

Klauber and Levi, a pioneer grocer and general-merchandise firm, occupied the building from 1878 to 1886. Another notable tenant was the popular San Diego Hardware Company, which opened in this location in 1892, staying until 1923.

Today, the first floor houses numerous popular restaurants, while the upper floor is dedicated to office space.

—Jake Romero is the operations and marketing manager of the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, located at 410 Island Ave., Downtown, in the historic William Heath Davis House. For more information visit gaslampquarter.org.