A (Native) Star is born in historic Gaslamp Quarter Victorian

The Yuma Building is widely recognized as one of the most iconic buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter and a classic example of Victorian architecture. 

Surprisingly, this elegant structure, at 633 5th Ave. – which now has a history-making owner who has opened a new boutique, Native Star – had a very modest beginning as a one-story brick building with a frame front porch.

It was built by Capt. Alfred Henry Wilcox, who originally came to San Diego in 1849 as a mate on the USS Invincible. He later returned as the ship’s captain, charged with the task of surveying the San Diego River, and ultimately constructing a dam in an effort to turn part of the river into a “False Bay” – now Mission Bay. 

On April 4, 1882, one year before his death, Capt. Wilcox began construction on what was a substantial brick building, complete with all the latest improvements like gas and water fixtures and large drainage pipes. 

After Captain Wilcox’s death, the building did not expand until 1885. That is when his estate became settled.

His wife, Maria, who inherited the structure, was able to start construction on the current building from the original plans. It now stands three stories high with a basement. 

The street level walls, stucco over brick, are 16” thick and the walls on the second and third floors are 12” thick.

The front was iron-clad and featured two large bay windows and stained glass above the stairway to the residence. A large lightwell (skylight) provided light for the upper two stories. The structure contained 16 rooms and a retail store on the ground level. 

The facade features a flat roof with dentil molding, decorative pilasters and large plate glass windows stretching across the front. 

Immediately above the plate glass windows are five smaller windows arranged in a horizontal line. The windows on the upper floors are wooden, double-hung sash style, framed with wood and decorative molding.

When her magnificent remodel was completed, Maria Wilcox moved into her soon-to-be legendary building. 

Notable women involved with the property 

Throughout the years, many more notable women have either owned or managed the Yuma. 

In 1901, the upper floors were converted to furnished rooms, and were operated as the “Santa Isabel,” and in 1912, the rooms became known as “The Grant.” The proprietor of the Grant was an African-American lady named Mrs. Carrie De Frantz. She was a pioneer Black businesswoman, and one of few who were in managerial positions.

Several of Mrs. De Frantz’s tenants also gained notice. 

These ladies also made their mark in the business world, but in a different role. 

On  Nov. 11, 1912 the Grant gained notoriety for becoming the ultimate stop of the Great Raid of 1912. 

As the California-Panama Exposition was coming to San Diego in 1915, Police Chief Keno Wilson was receiving increasing pressure from several civic-minded organizations, including the Ladies’ Purity League, to clean up the Stingaree, as the area was called.  

Due to the transient nature of much of the area’s clientele, many of who were sailors on ships stopping at the foot of Fifth Avenue, the Stingaree had become famous for its numerous saloons and accompanying brothels.  

Early on a Sunday morning, the raid began, and by the end of the day, Keno Wilson had rounded up 138 ladies of the evening.

The ladies were rounded up in front of the Grant, and Chief Wilson gave them a choice – either reform or get out of town. The city would pay for their train ticket. 

Only two decided to reform. One became a telegraph operator and the other went insane, likely as a result of a social disease. 

The other ladies were then marched up Fifth Avenue to the Santa Fe Depot, where they were instructed to purchase tickets. Unfortunately, they did not receive complete instructions, as most of them purchased round-trip tickets and returned the next day. A girl had to make a living however she could in those days.

Tough times for San Diego 

Due to the migration from the cities to the suburbs in the 1950s, many downtown areas became rundown and neglected. San Diego was no exception. 

Although the Grant was still open as “furnished rooms,” the once lovely building was in poor condition and need of a major restoration. When the building came on the market, another female entrepreneur and Gaslamp pioneer, Marsha Sewell, and her late husband, Mike Shea, purchased the aging icon. 

Marsha, an interior designer, had been looking for a location to house her business and be close to home. With the restoration, she had both. 

The upper two floors, a two-story showplace townhouse, were completed in 1992, and Marsha lived in the house until 2003, after Mike’s passing in 2001. This exquisitely restored home, complete with four fireplaces, has been the site of many cultural and civic events and has hosted numerous dignitaries.

After the COVID lockdown, the property was once again in a state of flux. 

It was time for another enterprising woman to take the reins of the historic Yuma. The new owner is Ruth-Ann Thorn, the first Native American to purchase land in the Gaslamp. 

This is monumental, as during the 1880s when the building was constructed and downtown San Diego was being developed, Indians were not allowed to own property. They could be forced into indentured servitude or worse, if found “idling.“ There were even signs posted stating “Indians wanted dead or alive. $25 a head.” 

Due to the Indian Removal Act and the Dawes Act, Native Americans were forced onto reservations and ostracized. 

Ruth-Ann, a Payomkawichum/Luiseño and an enrolled member of the Rincon Tribe, lives on the reservation her ancestors were once forced onto. Her holding company is called Land Back Property Management, because as she states ,”It’s like taking back space that was once ours.”

Businesses have come and gone 

The street-level storefront has also housed a variety of businesses throughout the years. 

They have included a Japanese bazaar, medical offices, an insurance broker, a dry goods store, and Goorin Bros. Hat Company. It is now the home of Native Star.

In a stunning backdrop of color, lighting, and intricate displays, this lovely boutique presents an impressive collection of clothing, hats, jewelry, art, wine bottled on the reservation, food items and Ruth-Ann’s brand of beauty products, N8iV Beauty. 

A key ingredient of the cosmetic line is Black Acorn oil harvested on the reservation.

This venue celebrates all things created by Indigenous artists in every medium. It is a treat for the senses.

Native Star, 631 5th Ave., officially opened on May 30 with a proclamation from Mayor Todd Gloria, a drum circle and Bird Singers. 

As these sounds echoed down Fifth Avenue, a sense of peace and spirituality seemed to overshadow the bustle and clamor of the Gaslamp’s usual Friday night activity. 

It is an honor to the first people who lived on this land.