As Digitaria’s newest (and slightly intimidated) intern, I was soon to discover that on the first day of the job I was given probably the most unexpected assignment: write a blog for the website.

Here I am equipped with a notepad for taking multiple Starbucks orders, and instead they decide to blindside me with an actual cool and meaningful task. What more can an intern ask for on his first day? I am officially spoiled. The subject: Digitaria’s office space and historical structure in the heart of the Gaslamp District – The George H. Hill Building.

The building was originally constructed in 1897 on a 5,000-square-foot corner lot. It housed the San Diego Normal School, a training facility for elementary school teachers. Seven faculty and 91 students met in the George H. Hill Building before moving to a newly constructed 17-acre campus on Park Boulevard.

Throughout my research I stumbled upon an uber-cool factoid: the San Diego Normal School soon evolved into my alma mater, also known as San Diego State University in 1935.

So ironically enough, as soon as I get out of my twelve o’clock lecture on San Diego State’s current campus, I rush across town to my shiny new internship on San Diego State’s original campus. I just can’t seem to get away from this school no matter how hard I try.

We asked our CEO Daniel Khabie about the George H. Hill building and how he came about choosing it as the home to what is now a very successful company. In 1997, it was Dan’s intention to replicate a very metropolitan, Manhattan-like feel to his quarters; he hired a historian to explore the Gaslamp District and find a perfect fit. The historian informed Dan that it was one of the oldest buildings in the district and when Dan first stepped inside he thought it was haunted. While the building was said to experience paranormal activity, Dan interpreted this energy as a positive sign.

The original workspace for Digitaria began in the corner of the top floor, and has now taken over two entire levels. The insides of the building were remodeled in 2005 and now has enough style and class within the structure to keep up with the beauty of its architecture. I can honestly say Dan did a great job creating his vision of a vintage, yet modern workspace which serves as the epicenter for creativity and innovation.

Let’s not leave out all of the creative and innovative employees that work here too. So until next time, this is Digi's newest intern, curing caffeine cravings and demolishing intern stereotypes everywhere since ’88.

1898 & 2010

1937 & 2010

Brian Cordova Marketing Intern

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