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Overview

In early Los Angeles, CA, the Downey Block was one of the most important commercial centers. It occupied the northwest corner of temple and Main Streets in 1890. (See Los Angeles, California, City Directory, 1890, p. 200.)

Building History

The Downey Block pre-dated 1871, in some form; it was one of the leading addresses for professional men in early Los Angeles, CA. It seems to have grown incrementally during its 30+ years of existence. It was built in the early 1870s.

The building was owned by Governor John G. Downey (1827-1894), who co-owned the 17,602-acre Rancho Santa Gertrudes, a large agricultural estate in Los Angeles County that included the present-day cities of Downey and Santa Fe Springs. (Downey, an Irish-born druggist bought the estate in 1859 with an associate, James P. McFarland.) He sought to sell the rancho in 1868. (See "To Farmers and Others Who Are Looking for Pleasant Homes in Southern California," Sacramento Daily Union, 12/12/1868.)

In 1890, John G. Downey, listed in the city directory as a "capitalist," had his office in Room #14 of the Downey Block. (See Los Angeles, California, City Directory, 1890, p. 200.)

Building Notes

The Don Luis Restaurant was located in the Downey Block in 1871 (advertised in the Los Angeles Star, 02/01/1871).

The Downey Building housed the first branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. Mary Foy was the librarian in 1883. See Los Angeles, California, City Directory, 1883, p.126.) Three years later, Jessie Gavitt served as the city librarian. (See Los Angeles, California, City Directory, 1886, p. 137.)

L'Union Nouvelle French weekly newspaper maintained its offices in Room #21 of the Downey Block in 1883. (See Los Angeles, California, City Directory, 1883, p. 127.)

Demolition

The Downey Block was being torn down in 05/1905, and took a great deal of time to remove. A new Federal building

PCAD id: 2659