Watts Building, San Diego
historic place
The Watts Building, located in San Diego, California, was completed in 1913. Built by Nathan Watts, it quickly became one of the city's first high-rise structures. Designed in the Chicago School of Architecture style, it was notable for its reinforced concrete construction. This made it an advertised earthquake and fireproof building, a significant feature six years after the San Francisco earthquake. Upon its opening, the Watts Building housed the San Diego Savings Bank on its first floor and basement. The intersection of Fifth and E Streets became known as the city's financial center, with other banks nearby. The building was also designed with advanced features, including a sub-basement and offices equipped for doctors and dentists with specialized utilities. Over time, the building evolved. It became a prominent location for jewelers, earning it the name "Jewelers' Exchange." In 1979, the Watts Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it operates as the Gaslamp Plaza Suites, a hotel that retains many of its original architectural elements. The Watts Building remains an important landmark in downtown San Diego's history.