The Palomar Ballroom was constructed on this site in 1946 and, operating under various names, remained an important venue for music and dance lovers for almost 60 years. As the first racially integrated ballroom in the city, it attracted big bands, vocalists, and jazz legends from across the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, as well as early rock and roll performers, and it often featured emerging artists. It was also a favorite gathering place for the Mexican American community, hosting family, political, and social events, before it was demolished in 2005.