Long ago I read about an old multistory hotel originally constructed at the above location in the 1880s and which had at least two, but maybe even three or four stories, in addition to three decorative towers in the Victorian style. Later, most likely after an earthquake, the upper stories were removed along with the towers, leaving the more modest but still obviously old building that exists on the site today. I forgot where the building was, but now I've found it again and it stands at Ord and North Spring:
The county assessor's PAIS still indicates an original build date of 1880 for this building, and from the Baist map I can confirm that a hotel was still in operation on the site in 1921, and a Sanborn map from around the turn of the last century confirms the existence of three towers, one at the corner and the other two at the west and north ends of the street fronts, facing Ord and Spring, respectively.
Now I just need to find a photo, and this is my problem. Although I remember seeing a photo of a hotel matching this description in the past, I don't remember where I found it or how I came across it. I wasn't looking for it specifically at the time, and now I simply can't seem to find the photo to save my life. Finding any 19th or early 20th century photos of anything this far north of the Plaza is maddeningly difficult, as many of us here know. And I've almost gotten to the point where I don't want to try yet another Google search which will only sluice me to the usual chestnuts like the Avila Adobe and the Bradbury Building. Or to the commercial "blocks" erected by dry goods merchants and bankers.
Does anyone know a good source that lets you search for photos by specific neighborhoods? Or on an interactive map?
ETA: Currently I believe there is a bar there, using the address 701 N. Spring.
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