Yuma Building
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| Yuma Building | |
|---|---|
 The building's exterior in 2024 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Town or city | San Diego |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 32°42′43″N 117°09′36″W / 32.71202°N 117.15992°W |
The Yuma Building is an historic structure located at 631 5th Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, in the U.S. state of California. It was built in 1882 [1] by Captain Alfred Henry Wilcox, a significant figure in San Diego's early development. The building reflects his extensive involvement in maritime activities along the Colorado River, particularly around Yuma, Arizona, which inspired its name.[2]
Beyond his maritime pursuits, Captain Wilcox engaged in various commercial ventures, including water supply contracts for the city, involvement with the San Diego Daily Bulletin, and serving as president of the Commercial Bank of San Diego.[2]
The original structure of the Yuma Building was a single-story brick edifice, among the first in San Diego to be built entirely of bricks. Following Wilcox's death in 1883, his widow, Maria Antonia Arguello, oversaw the expansion of the building into its current three-story form.[2]
Throughout its history, the Yuma Building has housed various businesses, including a Japanese bazaar, medical offices, and dry goods stores. In 1912, it was one of the first establishments to be targeted and closed during the infamous Stingaree District raids aimed at curbing brothels and illicit activities in the area.[2]
In 1989, the building underwent significant restoration under the ownership of interior designer Marsha Sewell and her husband, Mike Shea. Their efforts revitalized the structure, maintaining its historical integrity while adapting it for modern use.
As of November 2024, the Yuma Building was acquired by Ruth-Ann Thorn, a member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, marking her as the first Native American to own property in the Gaslamp Quarter.[3] In addition to owning the Yuma Building, Ruth-Ann Thorn owns and operates Native Star Boutique, the first Native American boutique of its kind in California, located within the building. Native Star Boutique is dedicated to showcasing the designs of the original people of the northern continent. Ruth-Ann also owns EC Gallery, a popular art gallery located next door, further contributing to the visibility and celebration of Native American culture and artistry. Her ownership and entrepreneurial ventures represent a significant milestone in the recognition and representation of Indigenous heritage in the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Today, the Yuma Building stands as a testament to San Diego's rich history, embodying the architectural and cultural transformations of the Gaslamp Quarter over more than a century.
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Plaque, 2016 -
The building's exterior in 2014
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Historical Landmarks Designated by the San Diego Historical Resources Board" (PDF). San Diego Historical Resources Board. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Hats Off to the Yuma Building – Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation". 2018-01-04. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ Little • •, Joe (2024-11-09). "Woman becomes 1st Native American to own property in Gaslamp Quarter". NBC 7 San Diego. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Yuma Building at Wikimedia Commons
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