Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building: A Gaslamp Quarter Landmark

Explore the historic Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, a landmark of fraternal history and Italian Renaissance architecture dating back to 1882.

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Building, a striking edifice in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, stands as a testament to the city's late 19th-century fraternal history. Built in 1882, this Italian Renaissance-style building was a joint venture between the Odd Fellows and Masonic lodges. Its elegant architecture, featuring Doric columns and arched windows, reflects the commercial aesthetic of the era. The building served as a meeting place for both organizations until 1910, and it remains a significant landmark, showcasing the architectural and social heritage of San Diego's vibrant past. Today, it is a reminder of the city's rich architectural history and the influential fraternal organizations that shaped its early development, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring the Gaslamp Quarter.

A brief summary to Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building

526 Market St, San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, California, 92101, US

Local tips

Explore the Gaslamp Quarter's architecture; the IOOF Building is a prime example of the area's late 19th-century commercial style.
Check out the historical marker on the building for a quick overview of its significance.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter to experience San Diego's vibrant nightlife and dining scene.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Gaslamp Quarter is well-served by public transportation. From the Santa Fe Depot, the main train station, take the MTS Trolley Green Line to the '5th Avenue' station. From there, walk two blocks east on Market Street to reach the IOOF Building. A one-way trolley fare is approximately $2.50.
Walking

From the San Diego Convention Center, walk north along 5th Avenue for approximately 0.3 miles until you reach Market Street. Turn right onto Market Street and walk one block east. The IOOF Building will be on your right. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout San Diego. A ride from the Santa Fe Depot or the Convention Center to the IOOF Building will typically cost between $8-$12, depending on traffic and demand.
Driving

If driving, navigate to the Gaslamp Quarter. Parking can be challenging, especially during evenings and weekends. Several parking garages are available in the area, including the 6th & K Parkade and Park It On Market. Expect to pay between $10-$20 for hourly parking, with flat rates sometimes available during certain hours or days. Street parking is also available but is often metered and limited.

Discover more about Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Building, located at 526 Market Street in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter, is a captivating architectural gem that whispers tales of the city's vibrant past. Constructed in 1882, this building stands as a proud symbol of the fraternal organizations that played a significant role in shaping San Diego's social and civic landscape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building's origins trace back to the collaborative spirit of two prominent fraternal orders: the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Freemasons. Recognizing the need for a permanent meeting place, these groups joined forces to erect a grand structure that would serve as their headquarters. The Masonic Building Association was founded in 1872, with James Pierce, a prominent civic leader, at its helm. The estimated cost for this stylish Classical Revival edifice was $25,000. The architectural firm of Payne and Lacey, renowned for their designs of the Horton House Hotel and the Horton Bank structure, were commissioned to design the building. Construction, however, faced numerous delays due to shortages in capital and materials. It wasn't until March 7, 1882, nearly a decade after the initial plans were drawn, that the cornerstone was finally laid. The brick used for the building's construction was brought from San Francisco. The cornerstone laying ceremony was a grand affair, marked by a celebratory parade that wound its way through the streets of San Diego. A casket-shaped box, a customary practice of the Odd Fellows, was placed in the northeast corner of the building, containing valuable coins, historical documents, and even a stone from Solomon's Temple, symbolizing the enduring values and traditions of the fraternal orders. The IOOF Building's design reflects the Italian Renaissance style, a popular choice for commercial buildings during the late 1800s. The two-story facade features a first-story Doric order with cast iron base and pilasters, housing structural columns and the entablature. The building originally had a 100-foot frontage on Market Street and a 63-foot frontage on 6th Street, providing space for six stores. The second floor housed two large halls, each measuring 56x30 feet, along with three anterooms, a library, and a chess room, providing ample space for the fraternal orders' meetings and activities. Upon completion, controversy arose over the quality of some of the construction materials used. Although court action ensued, it was settled by arbitration. The roof was built to be totally waterproof and fireproof. The second floor was originally planned to accommodate the Masonic Lodge #35 of San Diego, California, and the Odd Fellows Lodge #153 of San Diego, California. There are two large halls served by a common stairway with a kitchen (over stair) and two toilet rooms at the end of the stairway. The meeting hall for the Odd Fellows at the Market Street side is about twenty-nine and one-half feet wide by fifty-seven and one-half feet long and separated by a double longitudinal wall from the Masonic meeting hall which was about thirty feet wide by about sixty feet long. For many years, the IOOF Building served as a hub of social and community activity. The Odd Fellows and Masons held their meetings, social gatherings, and charitable events within its walls, contributing to the fabric of San Diego's growing society. The lodges shared the second floor until the Masons moved to a new hall in 1910. Over the years, the IOOF Building has witnessed numerous transformations and served various purposes. In 1974, the San Diego Ballet used the second floor, with its elegant wood floors, as their headquarters. The Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) also had its offices there at one time. Today, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building stands as a testament to San Diego's rich history and architectural heritage. Its elegant facade and storied past make it a captivating landmark in the Gaslamp Quarter, attracting visitors and history enthusiasts alike. The building is a San Diego Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As you stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter, take a moment to admire the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building. Imagine the bustling activity that once filled its halls, the important decisions that were made within its walls, and the countless stories that it holds. This building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a living testament to the spirit of community, collaboration, and civic engagement that shaped San Diego into the vibrant city it is today. The Odd Fellows continue to meet in a smaller hall in North Park. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows building (or I.O.O.F.) at the corner of 6th and H (now Market Street) represents a wealth of information from the past, not only with regards to the history of the Odd Fellows and Masonic organization of yester-year, but more specifically in its role as an integral part of San Diego in the late -18 and early -19 hundreds. The influence of this building and the activities initiated there were substantial, as evidenced by the numerous entries in the daily newspaper, leading citizens* journals, minutes from various meetings and such.

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building: A Gaslamp Quarter Landmark

A brief summary to Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

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Book tours with entry

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Discover more about Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building

Louis J. Wilde Monument

Gaslamp Quarter Sign

San Diego Free Tour

The Grand Stairway

Flame of Friendship

MTS Clock Tower

Balboa Landing

La Punta de los Muertos

La Punta de los Muertos HISTORICAL MARKER

Seaport Village

USS San Diego Memorial

Coronado Ferry Terminal

Amici House

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church

Unmissable attractions to see

Gaslamp Quarter

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

Gaslamp Quarter - The Historic Heart Of San Diego

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WNDR Museum

Prohibition Lounge

Whiskey Girl

San Diego Fun Tours

Tivoli Bar and Grill

Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House Museum

The Tipsy Crow

Another Side Of San Diego Tours

Mad House Comedy Club

Murder n' Mayhem

Essential places to dine

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

Rustic Root

Werewolf

Osteria Panevino

Asti Ristorante

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine- San Diego

The Rooftop by STK

Water Grill San Diego

Cafe Sevilla of San Diego

Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp

Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp

The Melting Pot

Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

San Diego Trading Company

Great souvenirs of San Diego,inc.

Dream Boutique

Wotown Vintage

Wild Dove Boutique

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Gaslamp Garage

Eclectique Boutique

Bay Company

Madison San Diego Boutique

Urban Beach House

Urban Girl

Wheelhouse Gift Shop

Rosamariposa

Vitreum

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Smoking Gun SD

The Shout! House