RSG is located in the same space as the former Goodrich’s Shoes and Stein’s general store. This photo was taken in April 1953 by Kenneth Hugh Hardman, stepson of Ivie Stein.
Every piece of land, every building has a story. RSG’s building is a fascinating example. Not only do we now share space with a craft brewery growing in popularity by the day (or night, I should say), but the building has an intriguing history that started long before our unique co-tenancy. The timeline below sums up our building’s story. Because who doesn’t love a story about horses, beer and redevelopment?
- 1895: Construction begins on three two-story buildings on the northwest corner of Fourth and Broadway in downtown Santa Ana. The building is initially constructed as a livery where horse owners keep their horses for a fee. The first floor houses the horses, and the second floor stores hay. Over several decades following construction, the building is expanded three times.
- 1920s: The three buildings merge under a common façade in the Italian Renaissance style designed by local architect Frank Lansdown. During the 1900s, the building is part of a vibrant downtown and is used for a variety of purposes, including a general store. At some point, the three buildings become collectively known as the “Phillips Hutton Building.”
The Santa Ana Polytechnic High School band marching in a parade in front of the Phillips Hutton Building in the early 20th century
- Mid-1980s: After abandonment of the building and years of subsequent deterioration, the City of Santa Ana buys the Phillips Hutton Building. At the time, the building’s windows are boarded, and the only inhabitants are pigeons sleeping in the attic.
- 1984: The Phillips Hutton Building is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- Early 1990s: The City of Santa Ana and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) agree to construct the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse in the block in which the Phillips Hutton Building is located. However, GSA decides not to include the Phillips Hutton Building in the Courthouse Project. For over a decade, the building remains vacant and in a state of utter disrepair.
- 2002: RSG begins searching for a new office facility to meet the company’s future space needs. Inspired by the redevelopment accomplishments of our clients, RSG specifically seeks a redevelopment opportunity. Ultimately, RSG and two other firms, Griffin Realty and Nestor + Gaffney Architecture, enter negotiations with the Santa Ana Community Redevelopment Agency to breathe new life into the Phillips Hutton Building. Each of the three firms ends up taking ownership of one building and agreeing to partner with the City to rehabilitate the building and restore it back to its 1920s appearance.
The boarded exterior and gutted interior of RSG’s office during construction
- 2004: Renovation of the Phillips Hutton Building is completed, and RSG, Steven Gaffney Architecture, and Starbucks Coffee move into their respective buildings. RSG’s office was renovated into a beautiful contemporary space with brick walls, exposed wood ceilings, and ample natural light.
Interior of RSG’s office
- 2014: The Good Beer Company completes construction of its brewery in the first floor of the building. The brewery includes a 15-barrel copper-clad brewhouse, four stainless steel fermenters and a small tasting room that opened to the public in September.
A snapshot of the Good Beer Company’s brewery, which is located below RSG’s offices.
- Today: The downtown Santa Ana area surrounding our building continues to revitalize. Affectionately known as DTSA, the area has become a premiere location for the arts, entertainment, dining and industry in Orange County. Looking back at the story of how DTSA became our home, RSG is proud to have played an active role in its redevelopment.
RSG and the Good Beer Company’s building today, next to the Ronald Reagan Federal Building & Courthouse in downtown Santa Ana
Written by RSG Senior Analyst-Dominique Clark