San Diego Armed Services YMCA
historic place
The San Diego Armed Services YMCA is a historic place in San Diego County. Civic leader George Marston organized the first YMCA in San Diego in 1882. The Army & Navy YMCA was established in 1921 to serve military personnel. A new, larger building at 500 Broadway opened in 1924. This structure, designed by Lincoln Rogers, featured Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. During World War II, this YMCA served as a vital center for military personnel, providing essential services and a place for respite. In 1948, it was renamed the Armed Forces YMCA to include the Air Force. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The organization later moved its services, and the original building was eventually transformed into The Guild Hotel. This site reflects San Diego's enduring historical commitment to its military community.