Junk, Jazz, & Java: The Frey Block

Sandee Wilhoit
May 1
3 min read

by Sandee Wilhoit • Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation May 1, 2026

The Frey Block

Gaslamp Quarter Historic Building Marker #10

(1911)

345 Market St.

Architects: S. G. Kennedy

Architectural Style: Modern Commercial

The Frey Block in the 1970s, featuring the Cross Roads club in its storefront-level

Many local San Diegans and tourists alike enjoy their morning coffee and perhaps a croissantwhile admiring the lovely Victorian-era stained-glass windows at the Tiger Cafe. This artfully designed post-Victorian edifice was not always a relaxing oasis of heavenly baked goods and carefully crafted beverages.

Originally, the property was sold by Alonzo Horton to A. Bowie and A. Amirous in 1869 for the sum of $200. The property changed hands several times, and in 1891, it was acquired by early San Diego pioneer and prominent attorney, Moses A. Luce.

Before coming to San Diego, Luce had been a sergeant in the Union Army and had been awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in the American Civil War. In 1873, he founded the law firm of Luce, Forward, Hamilton, and Scripps, which became one of the largest law firms in the country in terms of revenue. By the 21st century, the firm had a worth of $110 million. After 139 years, Luce, Scripps, et al dissolved in 2012.

Mr. Luce, additionally, was the County Judge between 1875 and 1880, and the first commander of the San Diego Grand Army of the Republic General Heintzelan Post, a fraternal order of Civil War veterans. He also served as President of the Board of Trustees of the First Unitarian Church, drafted San Diego’s first city charter, and was on the board of several railroad and mining companies. He was a very busy man! Shortly after he purchased the property on Fourth and Market, he mortgaged it to Alice Van Verson. As he was otherwise engaged in many endeavors, he allowed the property to pass in its entirety to Mrs. Van Verson by default. It included four wooden buildings with shingle roofs. She then sold the property to Leon Frey and his brothers, Antoine and Joseph, natives of France.

The Frey brothers started a junk business in the largest of the four wooden structures, and also worked as expressmen, rapidly ferrying large trunks, boxes, and other large items. They were so successful that they were able to build a new, more modern, and sturdier building on the property. William F. Campbell was hired as the contractor, with S. G. Kennedy serving as the architect of the project.

The new edifice, which was subdivided into several business venues, was a rectangular wooden structure lined with brick and tile. It featured a composite roof with a parapet above it. Two large windows faced Fourth Avenue. Additionally, two-wire glass lightwells and large stained glass windows completed the Fourth Avenue street-level facade.

The upper floors have always served as a hotel or a rooming house. The first hotel was the Hamano from 1912 to 1913. It was replaced by the Empire Hotel. For the first ten years, part of the upstairs was also the Frey House, managed by Antoine’s wife, Jeanne.

The street level has housed numerous commercial enterprises, including a billiards parlor, a second-hand store, a cafe, a confectionery store, and a saloon. During Prohibition ( 1920-1929), the cafe was reputed to be a speakeasy. The confectionery store became the Peking Cafe, which then became the Hong Nam Cafe.

In 1970, the Frey Block was restored to its current state. Soon after the restoration, one of the Gaslamp’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks, the Crossroads Bar, moved into the premises. The Crossroads was a mecca for live jazz music and has been credited with preserving the genre. Many great local jazz artists performed at the Crossroads, including Fro Brigham and Walter Fuller. Unfortunately, it was forced to close down in 1984, due to noise abatement. The Playbill, a steakhouse, was housed adjacent to the Crossroads.

Late 20th-century businesses included J. Dewars, an art gallery and frame shop, and the Bayou Bar and Grill, a popular Cajun restaurant.

From junk to jazz to java, the Frey Block has adapted to the times and culture, while still retaining its timeless Victorian flavor and elegant architectural features.