The Endangered 8: 2024
San José's Most Threatened Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
Lawrence Hotel
Location:
71-89 E. San Fernando Street
Date:
Built 1893
Architect:
Frank Lobdell
Threat:
Neglect
A 2021 fire caused extensive damage to the former Lawrence Hotel, a historic building constructed in 1893 and one of the oldest surviving commercial buildings in downtown San Jose. Originally known as the Toccoa Block, it was designed by noted architect Frank Lobdell. Over the course of its 131-year history, the Toccoa Block/Lawrence Hotel has been home to scores of beloved local businesses, and the building is an anchor presence in the National Register-listed Downtown Commercial Historic District. But more than three years after the fire, the building remains a charred and vacant shell, with little sign of a supposed restoration/reconstruction promised by San Mateo-based owners Eagle Hills Property.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Mercury News, "San Jose political leaders launch push to tackle blighted buildings," June 3, 2024
San Jose Spotlight, "Downtown San Jose property owner neglects blighted building," April 19, 2024
Learn More and Take Action!
Read about the history of the Lawrence Hotel at the San Jose Public Library's California Room blog.
Contact Mayor Mahan and your City Council member to urge your support for a proposed City Council Study Session to improve the city's Code Enforcement standards for abandoned and blighted properties.