El Cortez


702 Ash Street

El Cortez is a condo building in downtown San Diego’s Cortez Hill neighborhood.  Originally built in 1927 and converted to condos in 2004, the El Cortez, with its Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture, is a long-standing landmark in downtown San Diego.


  • Year Built: 1927/2004
  • Address: 702 Ash Street
  • Location
  • Developer: Peter Janopaul & Anthony Block (2004) “The J Peter Block Companies”
  • Architect: Albert R. Walker & Percy Eisen
  • Stories: 16
  • Units: 85
  • Amenities @ El Cortez: Gym & spa (Level B), pool (Lobby Level), community deck (2nd Floor), optional valet service
  • Of note: Small elevators, one bedrooms = no in-unit laundry
  • My favorite things about The El Cortez: Lobby, crown molding, windows, the history, Mills Act protection (possible property tax savings)
  • Is El Cortez FHA loan approved?Yes. (ID #S011833 001) Expires 07.13.2025
  • Is El Cortez VA loan approved? Yes. (ID #001406)
  • Rental period minimum at the El Cortez?30 days
  • Websites:San Diego History Center Article
  • Also:Litigation at El Cortez resolved in 2011; plumbing repaired but not replaced; addition of in-unit washer/dryer not possible in all units; separate monthly water bill to each owner
  • Article about El Cortez
  • El Cortez HOA property management company: PMP Management – General Manager, Denielle Belanger, CMCA, AMS, (619) 877-0045 (onsite every Wednesday) dbelanger (at) pmpmanage (dot) com;  Resident Services Coordinator (619-578-3204 elcortez (at) pmpmanage (dot) com 702 Ash Street, Box 1927, San Diego, CA 92101; Community Care Champions (billing questions, payment inquiries, common area maintenance requests, other assistance) (760) 400-7827 care (at) pmpmanage (dot) com (24 hours a day); After hours emergencies (760) 400-7827