A couple walks along Broadway in downtown San Diego.
This long, lazy weekend I’ve been sifting through my computer, searching for fun photos that I haven’t used yet. I discovered a few that I’d like to share.
These photographs are in no particular order. All were taken in the vicinity of downtown. I snapped them during recent walks down from Cortez Hill, where I live.
You might see why I love San Diego.
Several buildings in East Village are reflected in the glass windows of the headquarters of Sempra Energy.Looking up at the fantastic dome of downtown’s Central Library.People enjoy the grassy hill in the Park at the Park, near the statue of baseball hitting legend Tony Gwynn.A banner hanging on a lamppost near the Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign shows a fun photo from San Diego history.I’m not sure if this is a fluffy llama or alpaca. It stands guard in front of Inka’s Bar and Grill in the Gaslamp.The Art of Dr. Seuss is now showing at The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp.People play in the fun, splashing fountain at Horton Plaza Park.Colorful new banners have recently appeared around Cortez Hill. Very cool!Morning photo of the handsome old World Trade Center building, once home to publisher Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.Some guys ride their bikes down Fourth Avenue through Bankers Hill.Bright red bougainvillea on a building’s balcony in Little Italy.Sunlight on the side of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.A few days ago I spotted a couple in Tuna Harbor having their engagement photos taken by the water.Tourist souvenirs on a vendor’s cart on the Embarcadero.The Admiral Hornblower and another boat pass near the bow of the USS Midway Museum, recently deemed the best attraction in California.Enjoying sunny San Diego Bay from the end of Broadway Pier, watching the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s restored Swift Boat pass on by.
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An architectural masterpiece, the First Church of Christ, Scientist building by Irving Gill.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist building, designed by renowned architect Irving Gill and completed in 1910, is considered by many to be a masterpiece. I often pause a minute or two to admire its simple, rhythmic beauty when I walk near Second Avenue and Laurel Street in Bankers Hill.
During the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s 2018 OPEN HOUSE event a couple weekends ago, I ventured inside the church for the very first time.
I was interested to learn that when it was completed over a century ago, the mayor of San Diego considered the building such an amazing architectural accomplishment that he showed it to visiting dignitaries. I also learned that the church underwent a “modern” remodel in the 1950’s, which removed archways, windows and the beautiful glass dome. Thankfully the building was restored to its original appearance in 1998.
To my fascinated eyes, the arches, windows and tower are elegant, like notes of music. The white stucco enhances every perfect line and curve, as if a cloud were carved precisely with the architect’s pencil.
I took some photos! Read the captions for additional information.
Simple arches and lines mount skyward like a cubist painting.First Church of Christ Scientist 1909. I believe the 1904 signifies the year of their first small downtown building, which stands at Third Avenue and Ash Street and is now occupied by the attorney King Aminpour.Balloons outside the entrance indicate this church is a participant in the annual San Diego Architectural Foundation OPEN HOUSE.Arched windows inside admit light and create an impression of heavenly space. I’m reminded of a jewel’s bright facets.Like a crown of gold, organ pipes dominate the altar of a light-filled sanctuary.The amazing stained glass dome above the church sanctuary.A large poster containing photographs of the building’s 1950’s appearance and historic restoration. (Click image to enlarge.)The poster’s legend. The restoration brought back much of the natural light admitted by the original archways and glass dome.Photo of the sanctuary in the 1950’s. Perhaps at the time this was considered tasteful, but today it seems very drab.Old photo of this famous Irving Gill building, the dome just visible on the rooftop.I was told these are some of the original Irving Gill blueprints. The are displayed with other documents and historical photos in a hallway near the church sanctuary.An architectural marvel in San Diego’s Bankers Hill neighborhood.
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View of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral from across Fifth Avenue.
I swung by St. Paul’s Cathedral in Bankers Hill a couple weekends ago during the San Diego Architectural Foundation 2018 OPEN HOUSE event. A friendly gentleman named Bob who belongs to this Episcopal church showed me the original Great Hall which was completed in 1929, then the impressive interior of the cathedral, or “big house” as he called it, which was finally completed in 1951.
St. Paul’s Cathedral was designed by architect Philip Frohman, who is best remembered as the designer of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The building contains elements of both Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The original pipes of the historic church organ date from 1887. They were brought by ship around Cape Horn, to serve as the first organ in Old Town San Diego.
The cathedral was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983 during her trip to San Diego aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia. I was told that she spoke to the congregation and enjoyed listening to Evensong.
I gleaned a few odd bits of information during the informal tour and have included them in my photo captions.
Looking north at the impressive cathedral and its many stained glass windows from Nutmeg Street.St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego was designed by famed architect Philip Frohman.Ladies exit through an arcade of elegant columns.A gentleman in the church’s courtyard greeted visitors during the weekend architectural event.Construction of St. Paul’s parish house or Great Hall began in 1928.The most notable thing I saw in the Great Hall is the incredible original wooden beamed ceiling, which is showing signs of age.Turning my camera for another shot of this amazing ceiling.Sunlight enters through a rose window.A plaque in the courtyard area between the Great Hall and cathedral. This garden commemorates the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh to this church on February 27, 1983.Inside the beautiful cathedral, looking east from the nave toward the chancel and historic Great Organ.People have quietly entered the sacred place. The gray interior walls allow light from the stained glass lancet windows, created by Judson Studios in Pasadena, to fill the eyes of worshipers.This small Lady Chapel to the east was built in 1975. It’s used for weddings and other celebrations. It contains a smaller organ.The cathedra, or bishop’s seat, off to one side.More resplendent stained glass, like celestial visions shining through darkness.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Old photo of The Barcelona Apartment-Hotel in Bankers Hill, built 1921-1923.
I hadn’t planned to visit The Barcelona yesterday during the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s 2018 OPEN HOUSE event. But as I walked up Bankers Hill from one site to another, I spotted the old building and decided to venture inside. I’m so happy I did!
The almost century-old structure originally featured both a hotel and apartments, complete with solarium, ballroom, restaurant and golf course. Today it has been converted into an apartment building with amazing views of nearby downtown San Diego.
My favorite part of the short tour was visiting the sky deck up on the rooftop. Check out my photos and you’ll see why! Make sure to read the captions for more info about this historical building.
The Barcelona’s apartments today, photographed from Juniper Street.The Barcelona is a featured location during the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s 2018 OPEN HOUSE event.City of San Diego historical landmark plaque near entrance to The Barcelona.The Barcelona was built in the Spanish Colonial/Spanish Eclectic style. It was designed by architect Eugene Hoffman.Excavation of the site took 6 months. The current penthouse units on the 5th floor roof originally formed a solarium.Historic postcards of The Barcelona in San Diego.A volunteer for the OPEN HOUSE architectural event took me up the historic elevator!The cool old elevator reminded me of my childhood, when I dreamed of becoming an elevator operator!The volunteer guide quickly showed me one of the sunlight-filled apartments. The view of downtown is incredible.But the sky deck will take your breath away!Incredible view of Bankers Hill and San Diego Bay from the sky deck of The Barcelona!The building’s penthouse apartments are beyond this comfy outdoor sofa.Looking down on the many colorful rooftops of Bankers Hill!An incredible view of the downtown San Diego skyline from the sky deck of The Barcelona!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Today I visited six truly amazing buildings in Bankers Hill and Balboa Park. All six are featured locations in the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s 2018 OPEN HOUSE event.
I enjoyed fascinating looks inside architectural gems–special looks the public seldom experiences. I took lots of photos and intend to tour a few more iconic locations tomorrow. So I have a lot of blogging to do the next week or two!
My very first stop this morning was the First Presbyterian Church of San Diego, located in Bankers Hill on Date Street, between Third and Fourth Avenue. The friendly church manager greeted visitors at the front door, and he was very nice to give me a short tour inside the building.
The first thing I learned was that this is actually the First Presbyterian Church’s third structure in San Diego. The initial congregation came together in 1869 in what was then called New Town–now downtown San Diego. The first church structure was built at Eighth and D Streets on land donated by Alonzo Horton. As the membership grew, a second church building was begun in 1887, on property adjacent to the first. Unfortunately the land boom of that time soon came to an end. Somehow that building was completed in spite of financial difficulties.
The present building, the focus of this tour, had its first service in 1913 in the Assembly Room, about a year before the amazing sanctuary was finally completed and this third church was dedicated. Located near the base of Bankers Hill overlooking downtown, the imposing cathedral-like structure incorporates huge stained glass windows that were preserved from the previous building, including the exquisite central panels Christ the Sower.
Sowing seeds of compassion in our community, the First Presbyterian Church of San Diego makes it a point to feed many of the homeless downtown–almost 250 souls every Sunday. These good folks practice what they preach.
Like many grand old churches, the exterior of the present-day building might appear a bit worn by time and weather, but the interior, with its warm wood and glowing stained glass at every turn, seems like a tiny glimpse of heaven.
I must say I was really impressed by the grace, grandeur and beauty of the sanctuary. And the kind smile of my tour guide.
View of the First Presbyterian Church of San Diego from Fourth Avenue. A large, historic stained glass window shines its light into a very beautiful sanctuary.Partial view of the church’s south side along Date Street.Plaque on building indicates the First Presbyterian Church was erected in 1913.Historical photo near the church office shows the First Presbyterian Church of San Diego about a hundred years ago, in what was then considered the outskirts of town.Entering doors that lead to the magnificent sanctuary.
The church’s nearly 6,000 pipe Casavant organ rises like rays of silvery light crowning the chancel.Heading up some stairs near colorful stained glass. We will emerge on the sanctuary’s balcony.
One of the finest examples of stained glass in San Diego shines light into the historic church.A scene from the Bible, to the glory of God.The likeness of Christ, in memory of one of the faithful.A place for religious faith and worship. Amazing beauty inside the First Presbyterian Church of San Diego.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Visitors enter the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum during the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s OPEN HOUSE 2017.
This weekend the San Diego Architectural Foundation is having their big annual Open House event!
For 2018, an amazing 84 locations will participate, each building or urban site recognized for its unique contribution to San Diego’s architectural history. Many different architectural styles will be highlighted, at locations in Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, downtown, the Gaslamp, East Village, Barrio Logan and Point Loma. Some locations will offer guided tours or special talks; at many others the public is invited to take a self-guided tour.
To find out more, including days and times of tours this Saturday and Sunday, check out the SDAF website here.
In 2017 I took full advantage of this event and visited a range of interesting places. The following are links to photographs that I took:
Paintings in Balboa Park Conservancy Board Room. (I took these photos during a 2017 Open House tour of the House of Hospitality. Unfortunately I joined the group midstream and took few useful notes.)
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
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A small public park, recently created in Bankers Hill, is named for San Diego aviation pioneer Waldo Dean Waterman.
Last month a small public park opened in Bankers Hill at the edge of narrow Maple Canyon. The park is named after Waldo Dean Waterman, an inventor and early aviation pioneer who was one of the first in San Diego to fly a heavier-than-air machine. He made that flight into Maple Canyon in 1909, at the age of fifteen!
Waterman experimented with unique aeronautical designs for most of his life. He invented the first tail-less monoplane in the United States, called the Whatsit, which was the very first aircraft in history to use now standard tricycle landing gear. He then designed the Arrowbile, which was the first successful flying car!
Waldo Dean Waterman Park is a beautiful and inspiring addition to our city. For generations to come, the park will remain a living monument to a visionary man who made several important contributions to aviation history!
A resident of Bankers Hill walks his dog through the beautiful park. Local aviation history was made here in 1909.Beautiful blooms at Waldo Dean Waterman Park in Bankers Hill.Sign summarizes the life and accomplishments of Early Bird aviation pioneer Waldo Dean Waterman, a resident of San Diego. He flew a glider at the age of 15 from this site into Maple Canyon below. (Click image to enlarge.)Plaque dated July 1, 1959 commemorates Waldo D. Waterman for his many contributions to the science of flight.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
This evening around sunset I took a short walk through Marston Point, which is located in the southwest corner of Balboa Park.
Trees were gradually darkening. Directly to the south, Cortez Hill–the part of downtown San Diego where I live–gleamed like a shining paradise in the sky.
To the west, buildings near the bay and on Bankers Hill were crowned with streaks of pale gold.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Stained glass window, and its reflection in a mirror, inside The Abbey on Fifth Avenue. The building was originally the Park Place Methodist Episcopal Church.
I’ve walked past The Abbey on Fifth Avenue many times over the years. I often pause to admire the monumental building’s Classical Revival style exterior and take a photo or two. But last weekend I finally ventured inside.
That’s because The Abbey was open to the public during the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s OPEN HOUSE 2017. It was one of several fascinating places that I visited!
The Abbey on Fifth Avenue is utilized by Hornblower Cruises in San Diego for private parties, weddings and corporate events. In 1910, however, when its doors were first opened to welcome the people of San Diego, the building was a place of worship: the Park Place Methodist Episcopal Church. A gleaming gold leaf statue of the angel Gabriel stands atop the roof, blowing his horn, summoning eyes around Bankers Hill. Approach the building and one sees its dozen stained glass windows illustrating figures from the Bible.
Stained glass when viewed from outside a building can often appear a bit dull and unremarkable. When seen from inside, however . . . words can barely express the feeling. It’s like finding the end of a rainbow. It’s like stepping into a light-filled heaven.
Please enjoy some photos of The Abbey’s exterior and interior.
Today the Abbey on Fifth Avenue is operated by Hornblower Cruises and Events. Built as a church in 1910, the building has undergone various changes over the years. In 1984 it became a restaurant.Photo of The Abbey taken from the intersection of Olive Street and Fifth Avenue in the Bankers Hill neighborhood. A new building is under construction on the north side.Stained glass windows seen from the street outside.The 1910 Park Place Methodist Episcopal Church was built in the Classical Revival style, which is quite unusual in San Diego.Gabriel blows his horn. Light reflecting from the gold leaf shines brightly like the sun.This gorgeous stained glass skylight and purple floor lights tinting the walls make a memorable dining experience at these tables on the second floor of The Abbey.Another dome of stained glass in the ceiling.These doors on the second floor have beautiful floral stained glass panels.The interior of The Abbey on Fifth Avenue is a wonderland of colorful light.People pause by one of the south-facing stained glass windows.These tables along the second floor overlook a large space where people might dance or mingle during a special event.Stained glass shows classical columns and a cross in a crown.If I recall, this stained glass panel was in a door on the second floor. Those appear to be grapes.More stained glass behind dining tables on the north side of the second floor.The many stained glass windows seem to fill the historic building with magic.Close look at one window.Christ portrayed in one radiant window.Religious figures near wine glasses hanging in a bar on the second floor. An interesting juxtaposition.The beautiful stained glass is both mysterious and penetrating.Another vibrant stained glass window portrays a risen Christ in heaven.A scene from the Bible. One of many stained glass windows that fill The Abbey on Fifth Avenue with color and life.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
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