top of page

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!

bottom of page