425 North Los Angeles Street - Chinese American Museum

History of the Museum Site: 425 North Los Angeles Street

The history of the Chinese American Museum building located at 425 North Los Angeles Street had three main periods. First, it was inhabited by Chinese tenants, then by Italians, and finally, once again, by Chinese residents. The actual construction date of this historic structure is unknown, however, it definitely had been erected as of 1898. Its original owner was Sostenes Sepúlveda. Following his death, the building passed through a succession of owners until the State of California purchased it in 1954.

Born in 1851, Sostenes Sepúlveda was the eldest child of Juan María de Jesus Sepúlveda's large family. His first wife was María Rico. After her death, he married Asención Rico, who was María Rico's niece. Sostenes bought the land on which the 425 North Los Angeles Street building stood from a cousin for $300. This structure was Sostenes' major real estate venture although, at his death in 1924, it was mortgaged heavily. It is now known by its street address to avoid confusion with the better-known Sepúlveda House, which was built in 1887.