La Avenida Cafe was established in 1938 at 1301 Orange Avenue, displaying an emphasis on Spanish-Revival architecture and enriched with murals created by Ramos Martinez, a trailblazer of Mexican Modernism. The murals were threatened in the 1990s by potential redevelopment of the building. In response, the Coronado Historical Association successfully advocated to protect Martinez’s murals, and they were moved in 1995 to the wall at the checkout desk of the Coronado Public Library. La Avenida Cafe was also renowned for its “Jack’s Salad,” the chef’s take on the Caesar salad created by Caesar Cardini in Tijuana.

Across B Avenue, the pioneering photographer Lou Goodale Bigelow (1884-1968) set up shop in the Carlton Hotel in 1915. Ms. Bigelow was known for producing distinctive portraits and artistic studies for over 30 years, living behind her studio at the site. The Carlton Hotel was designed by renowned architect Irving Gill. The building was demolished in the 1980s and today the Bank of America occupies the site.

Across Orange Avenue, the graceful landmark Spreckels Building gently curves along the entire block. This impressive building was commissioned by Coronado businessman and philanthropist John D. Spreckels and built by Harrison Albright in 1917. The building has had many commercial and residential tenants over the years including a tearoom, vaudeville theatre, movie theater, barber shop, produce stand, department stores, office suites, and apartments. The original bank to occupy the corner space was the Bank of Coronado, which was founded by Spreckels himself.

● North face: Marie Titus Adams and “Smokey” photographed by Lou Goodale Bigelow. C.1920s. Coronado Historical Association Collection. Rights reserved.
● West face: La Avenida Cafe in its heyday. Date unknown. Coronado Historical Association Collection. Rights reserved.
● Southeast face: The long, curving Spreckels Building as the backdrop for the 4th of July parade. 1991. Coronado Historical Association Collection. Rights reserved.

Art Outside the Box: Take 2 is the second iteration of artful wraps on the Caltrans signal boxes along Orange Avenue in Coronado. This project, a collaboration sponsored by the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission uses historic photographs featuring scenes from the surrounding area which are enhanced graphically with pops of color. The photo selection was completed by Coronado High School interns at the Coronado Historical Association (CHA) using historical images that reside in their collection, and graphics were done by Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) interns.