El Cortez Apartment Hotel

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El Cortez Apartment Hotel, Spanish Colonial Revival hotel in Downtown San Diego, United States.

The El Cortez building features a 12-story main structure with a 15-story tower and two six-story wings, designed with ornate Mediterranean-influenced details.

Completed in 1927 for 2.5 million dollars, El Cortez stood as San Diego's tallest building, attracting 50,000 visitors during its opening celebration.

The Don Room displays intricate sandalwood ceiling carvings supported by substantial pillars, while the Aztec Dining Room offers extensive windows.

The structure contains 85 residential apartment units and 32 hotel rooms, situated at the northern end of downtown San Diego.

During the 1950s, Harry Handlery added the first exterior glass elevator worldwide to the building's architectural features.

Location: San Diego

Inception: 1927

Architects: Walker & Eisen

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 32.72028,-117.15806

Latest update: May 27, 2025 09:53

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