Jergins Trust Building

The Jergins Trust Building was a notable 10-story Beaux-Arts style commercial building in Long Beach, California, constructed in 1919. It featured a distinctive façade adorned with terra-cotta shields and gargoyles, and included a theatre that hosted famous acts like Fred Astaire. Originally named the Markwell Building, it underwent expansions and was home to California's first Superior Court branch. A unique pedestrian tunnel connected the building to the beach, enhancing its accessibility until its closure in 1967. Despite being designated a historic landmark in 1979, the building was demolished in 1988, sparking a preservation movement in the city. Today, the site is set for redevelopment, with plans to reopen the historic tunnel as a speakeasy in a new Hard Rock Hotel by 2027, coinciding with the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.