An elevator observatory being inaugurated at the El Cortez Hotel in San Diego, California.
An elevator observatory at The El Cortez hotel (El Cortez Condominiums 702 Ash St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States) in San Diego, California. A woman dressed in a space cadet or astronaut-like uniform stands in the elevator, known as the "Starlight Express." Passengers seen boarding the all-glass elevator that rises outside the building to carries guests to a rooftop ballroom. The lift supported on a hydraulic ram 175 feet long, rises up to the roof of the hotel, Clip includes a brief elevated view of the city of San Diego as seen from the elevator. Location: San Diego California USA. Date: April 12, 1956.