Old City Hall, San Diego

This old beauty in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter is a classic example of Florentine-Italianate architecture, originally developed back in the 1860s by the City of Florence, which this location does so well to capture. The building features ornate 16-foot ceilings, 12-foot windows framed with brick arches, antique columns, and a wrought-iron cage elevator.

Originally two-story structure was built in 1874, but 13 years later two more floors were added to accommodate the San Diego Public Library.

The City of San Diego purchased the property in 1891 and turned it into governmental offices. The entire city government moved in in 1900, with the upper floors taken up by the Mayor and staff, while the Police Department took the first floor and the Council Chambers the fourth.

Notably, the ladies room on the lower level includes a stall with quite unusual décor. As it turns out, when a wall was removed, they decided to leave the secret exit (used by former officials) in place and dressed it up. In 1955 stucco was applied to “modernize’ the exterior.

Years later, the building was restored to its original beauty. Presently, this is a privately-owned building which is a home to a restaurant and bar, some retail locations, and loft apartments on the top floors. It turns into a full-on club around 10:30pm, so if you're looking for a leisurely dinner, give yourself ample time.