Downtown Santa Ana: Fourth Street Historic Area

Downtown Santa Ana is a compilation of several different districts which includes the Civic Center, Artist Village, and Fourth Street. This blog article is focused on Fourth Street, which is the historic section of downtown. Originally, Santa Ana was the center of metropolitan Orange County, and Fourth Street was the center of business. As the 20 century progressed, many businesses and residents moved to newer locations. In the past 30-35 years, Fourth Street has primarily served Santa Ana's Hispanic immigrant community.

Musselman Block Building -- 320 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, Ca.

However, this area has seen cultures collide as businesses, which serve a younger and more Americanized crowd, have been established in the area. For example, the Playground restaurant specializes in feeding the Orange County foodie set. The Playground says its culinary approach is ingredient driven, technique driven, and it seeks to blend awesome combinations of flavors. It also serves a variety of draft beers. They accept online reservations so it must be busy.

Playground Restaurant -- 220 E. Fourth St.

Originally opened in 1913, the Yost Theater used to be a Mexican cinema house but it was renovated in 2007 and now hosts a variety of concerts, which mainly consists of alternative and upcoming bands. This area is now branded as East End Santa Ana, which replaced the Fiesta Market Place. This transition alone sparked outrage among locals which still reverberates today.

Yost Theater -- 307 N. Spurgeon

Still, visitors will find plenty of clothing shops which specialize in Quinceañera dresses, Taquerias, and travel agencies servicing recent Hispanic immigrants. For this reason, Fourth Street will routinely be referred to as "Calle Cuatro" by the local community.

The 4th Street Market, pictured below, is currently under development and is expected to open later this year. This market will be an artisanal food complex. Read this blog article for more details of how this new food hall will transform the dining experience in Santa Ana. Its this kind of business that appeals to larger populations, not just locals.

4th Street Market -- 201 E. Fourth St.

The Bank of America building anchors historic downtown at Main Street and Fourth Street. It has served various banking institutions since being built in 1925. It is the tallest historic building on Fourth Street.



Bank of America Building -- 102 W. Fourth

The Fox West Coast Theater was built in 1924. Renovated in 1991, it now serves as the West Coast Tabernacle Church. The ornamentation around the upstairs windows is stunning.

West Coast Theater -- 308 N. Main St.

I would say that the newer Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse, which is visible below-left, had a very positive effect on revitalization efforts on Fourth Street. Additionally, Cal State Fullerton's Grand Central Art Center, which anchors the neighboring Artist Village, was a positive catalyst for the entire downtown area. Lastly, there are influential people such as Mayor Miguel Pulido and Real Estate Developer Michael Harrah who have a tremendous confidence and vision for Downtown Santa Ana.

The Spurgeon Building was built in 1913. In the early 20th century, this was considered prime real estate for important Orange County businessmen. Now it is loaded with retail type shops, while food carts selling chicharones are parked outside.

William Spurgeon Building -- 206 W. Fourth

Pictured below is one of the many dress shops on Fourth Street. This kind of shop may represent the striking divergence of interests on Fourth Street. There is certainly a cultural struggle between the large Hispanic immigrant population in Santa Ana, the younger Americanized demographic, the artists, and even the working professionals which stream into downtown during the week.

Most of the historic buildings are low-rise.

Starbucks is a good indicator that an area is on the rise, or gentrifying as some people claim in Santa Ana. Regardless, several businesses closest to the Federal Courthouse are geared towards the many legal professionals that flood the area during the week.

The Fourth Street historic area is just south of the Orange County Civic Center. Pictured below is the Orange County Hall of Administration where the Board of Supervisors work and hold their board meetings.

Orange County Hall of Administration -- 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd.

Overall, I enjoyed walking around Fourth Street and I would encourage others to check it out also. If you come downtown, I recommend you bring an appetite because there are plenty of good restaurants. Parking is limited so plan on bringing a few dollars to park in a city garage. I hope you enjoyed the tour, your comments are welcomed.