San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter has welcomed the reopening of one of its oldest buildings, The Beau, an elegantly restored boutique hotel that pays homage to its storied past while embracing modern charm.
Formerly the Leland Hotel, the structure, dating back 138 years, is a Victorian Italianate masterpiece located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Island.
Originally known as the Rand-Pauly Building when it first opened in 1886, the upper floors served as the Leland Hotel while the ground floor accommodated various commercial tenants. At that time, the area was recognized as New Town San Diego, starkly different from the vibrant entertainment district the Gaslamp Quarter is today.
The building underwent several transformations throughout the decades. In the 1950s, significant modernization changes stripped the building of much of its historic appeal, involving the removal of decorative features such as window moldings and a covering of the original brick façade with stucco. However, the core structure remained intact beneath these alterations.
By the late 1990s, neglect had taken its toll, leading to the property’s purchase by preservationist A. Leon Herrick in 1999, who aimed to restore the building and renamed it Beaumanor, after his ancestral home in England.
His initial efforts focused on seismic retrofitting and maintaining structural integrity. With the passing of responsibility to his daughter, Cathy Herrick, a dedicated preservationist, the vision continued.
Cathy Herrick expressed her commitment to the building’s legacy, stating, “It was my dad’s favorite building. I didn’t want it to leave the family. It felt like I was preserving not just a building, but his legacy.”
Cathy has emerged as a leading voice in historic preservation within the Gaslamp Quarter, recognized for her dedication to restoring and revitalizing notable properties, earning her a permanent tribute at the base of the Gaslamp Quarter Arch.
In 2010, upon officially taking ownership of the Beaumanor building, she launched an extensive renovation project in 2023, investing $5 million to restore the property to its former glory reminiscent of the 19th century.
Significant renovations included restoring 52 hotel rooms, common areas, a rooftop secret garden, and ground floor dining facilities, all aimed at revealing the building’s historic charm that lay hidden beneath the modernization efforts of the past.
Original brickwork, concealed for more than seven decades, was painstakingly restored, while period-appropriate windows and fixtures were reinstalled, preserving the authenticity of the design. Notably, bricks sourced from Coronado’s PB&Y Co. were chosen to match the building’s original materials.
One of the standout features of The Beau is The Bar at the Beau, which opened in May. This stunning space combines dark gilded accents with soft, ambient lighting, cementing a timeless elegance.
The original back bar from 1886 remains intact, now enhanced with gold leaf adornments and a Carrera stone countertop featuring subtle under-lighting.
Adding to the venue’s allure, the lower level, dubbed Smuggler’s Alley, is said to have once functioned as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, where even the notorious Al Capone allegedly hosted secret poker games. Cathy Herrick recalled, “It was a hidden place with its own energy. Now we’ve brought it back—not just cosmetically, but in spirit.”
The hotel features curated photographs and archival images that chronicle the property’s rich history, from its opulent beginnings to its significance during Prohibition and its subsequent mid-century adaptations.
The Bar’s cocktail menu also echoes the building’s layered past, offering drinks such as the “1886 Old Fashioned” and the “Night Porter,” a bold twist on the espresso martini, both serving as nods to its rumored late-night activities.
Under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Robin James, formerly of Top of the Market, The Beau offers elevated American comfort food, with menu highlights like Duck Pot Pie, Braised Pork Shank, and Whole Roasted Branzino, along with small plates featuring Beef Cheek and Chilled English Pea Soup.
The dessert offerings include a whimsical Beau Sundae and a nostalgic Pineapple Upside Down Cake, sure to delight guests.
Maintaining its family-run atmosphere, Cathy’s son, Evan Anderson, assumes the role of Executive Vice President, managing daily operations, ensuring the legacy of three generations is reflected throughout the establishment.
Historically, the structure has hosted a diverse array of businesses, from milliners and dressmakers to tailors and even an undertaker. Now, nearly 140 years after its inaugural opening, The Beau reestablishes itself as a central gathering hub in the neighborhood, radiating renewed purpose and sophistication.
Cathy Herrick encapsulated her vision for The Beau by stating, “Restoring The Beau was never just about business. It was about honoring the history, my dad, and this neighborhood that has given us so much.”
With this revitalization, one can only imagine if Al Capone would appreciate the latest chapter in the storied history of The Beau.
image source from：timesofsandiego
