The unprepossessing “Lot J” building at 748 Fifth Avenue has a history with twists and turns that rival any larger structure’s.
The modest building served as a small theater in the early 20th century, but it was originally constructed to serve as a retail space. The building, additionally, was the second of two buildings constructed on the site.
The lot, “J,” was sold by Alonzo Horton to Mary Mencer in 1869 for $300.
Fifth AvenueFive months later, her husband, Lewis Mencer, sold the property to C. M. Arnold and Daniel Choate, two prominent individuals in early San Diego’s economics, real estate development, and civic activities.
Arnold was an attorney and real estate agent, and in 1878 founded San Diego’s first real estate board, which went on to become the current San Diego Realty Board. Daniel Choate was a longtime crony of Alonzo Horton. He was very active in real estate and was considered the second-largest dealer in the field, right behind Alonzo Horton.
Along with Arnold, he subdivided the area now known as City Heights and created the northeast portion of Mission Hills, which became known as Florence Heights. It lay north of the old Calvary Cemetery, which is now Pioneer Park.
Additionally, Choate served as postmaster and a founder of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce.
By 1870, the lot had been subdivided into two, and the north half had been sold to Charles Gassen. He was a gold miner and a wholesale meat distributor who also owned a large ranch with 300 head of cattle and sheep.
In 1872, Gassen passed the property on to Bryant Howard, a banker from New York.
Howard was one of the founders of the Bank of San Diego, and he later combined the bank with the Commercial Bank to create the Consolidated Bank. By 1893, he was the bank’s president.
Business owner loses most of his property and holdings
Sadly, due to mismanagement, illness, and personal problems, what started out so promising fell apart for Howard, and he lost most of his property and holdings. He died in 1911.
However, in 1883, a small 25 x 80 , two-story structure appeared on the north half of Lot J.
The frame building with a shingle roof, and the rear part of the building being only one story.
This small structure was divided in half to accommodate two small stores. Early tenants were restaurants, a tobacco factory, a fruit company, and a shoemaker.
Re-enter Charles Gassen, who bought and sold this humble property three times. His final sale was to Dr. E.F. Henderson, who was really interested in starting a wool factory.
After unsuccessfully pursuing his dream of starting a textile plant for two years, he moved to Los Angeles to practice medicine.
Before his departure, Henderson sold his half of Lot J to John Smith, who sold it to E. Stewart in 1887. The Stewart family retained ownership of the property until 1966.
The current building came about in the early 1900s
In 1906, the current building was erected.
It is of the same configuration as the original building, with the exception of cement floors and a brick exterior. The facade, front commercial style windows, and signage are keeping with the historical period in which the structure was built. It was in this building that the theater connection was formed.
During most of the 19th and subsequently, the early 20th centuries, most of San Diego’s entertainment occurred at Horton Hall, Leach’s Opera House, Louis’ Opera House, and the Fisher Opera House.
Other occasionally used venues were used primarily for local talent. They were usually small, and most did not last very long. The Little Theatre Movement developed in the United States around 1912.
This movement provided experimental centers for the dramatic arts, free from the standard production mechanisms used in prominent commercial theaters.
In other words, venues like Pat’s Little Theater were largely experimental. The identity of the mysterious “Pat” has been lost to history!
The current tenant is El Perron, who advertises music and fine spirits.
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