Built on the site of Ulysses S. Grant, Jr's former home, The El Cortez was designed originally by Walker and Eisen Architects. The Simpson Construction Company finished the project on Thanksgiving Day 1927 at a cost of $2 million. The El Cortez originally opened with 85 apartment suites and 32 hotel rooms. In 1928, a single hotel room with bath was $5 a day and the apartments were $100 a month.
The El Cortez has been San Diego's leading landmark since its initial grand opening in 1927. Its colorful past is vivid in the minds of all native San Diegans. The United States involvement in World War II brought soldiers from the South Pacific and around the world to San Diego and this historical landmark. In fact, the 12th floor was used as a radar station. Around that same time, the Sky Room opened and immediately became San Diego's hot spot. In 1956, the high-rise became the first in the world with an exterior glass elevator. In the 1980s the building fell into disrepair.
With the El Cortez being such an emotional attachment to native San Diegans, the building was restored to the original Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture.
Now the El Cortez is home to 85 condominium units and 11 commercial units.
The El Cortez-- A San Diego landmark that is definitely one of a kind!!!
The El Cortez ® name and image are registered marks of the El Cortez Owners Association. | 
