The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood of downtown San Diego, California. The area is named for the gas lamps that lined the streets. There are only four real gaslamps left, one on each corner at the intersection of Market Street and 5th Avenue. The historic district includes 94 historic buildings in the 16 and one-half block area. Many buildings are Victorian Era-themed, and are still in use with active tenants including 100 places to eat, 100 shops and 35 nightclubs. The Quarter is home to many popular events including Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, Taste of Gaslamp and ShamROCK (St. Patrick's Day). PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres is located one block away in downtown San Diego's East Village. Information on the community can be found at its website or by calling the Gaslamp Quarter Association at (619) 233-5227.

History

Early 1900's: Originally named Stingaree, Gaslamp Quarter was once the redlight district of San Diego, in part because the town was a busy military port.

1912: The Stingaree Raid. 138 prostitutes were arrested, sparking the decline of the area as a redlight district.

1950's up until 1970's: Pornographic theaters and bookshops were the primary businesses in the area.

1970: The start of the public interest in preserving buildings downtown, especially in Gaslamp Quarter.

1976: The city adopted the Gaslamp Quarter Urban Design and Development Manual, aimed at preserving buildings in the area, and the redevelopment of Gaslamp Quarter as a national historic district.

1982: Gaslamp Quarter became the major focus of the redevelopments in downtown by the city of San Diego, resulting in the current atmosphephere and aesthetic of the area today.

External links

• Gaslamp Quarter Association

San Diego neighborhoods | Historic districts