On looking at architecture with my son for a photography assignment, we found ourselves in downtown San Diego. We did not have to travel far to find interesting buildings. The blocks along Broadway were full of historic buildings. I love older architecture. Such character, style!

My favorite building of the day was the Samuel I. Fox Building. This Spanish Revival showstoper can be found at Broadway and 6th Avenue. It has so much detail! One really needs to stand on the sidewalk below to fully appreciate this building. My favorite part, the tile overhang, would have been missed by driving by in a car or just walking down the sidewalk and not looking up. The overhanging tile roof was spectacular and something one does not see every day.

The Samuel Fox Building was built in 1929 by William Templeton Johnson, FAIA, to house Fox’s Lion Clothing Company. The price was $500,000 for the four-story, 56,000 square foot building. The Lion Clothing Company was the sole tenant until 1984. Today, the building is historic site number 72 and is home to the Samuel Fox Lofts. That is right, one can purchase a loft and live in this amazing building.

I’m glad that buildings such as the Samuel I Fox Building are protected as historic sites. It is nice to be able to see and appreciate things from the past. Happy Travels.