The History Of
Fresno’s Champion Skyscraper
“When ground was broken for the SJL&P Building with an elaborate ceremony on 27 September 1922, The Fresno Bee called it “Fresno’s Champion Skyscraper.” A monumental anchor to the northeast end of Fulton Street, the building is symbolic of the culmination of the SJL&P’s success in distributing hydroelectric power to the San Joaquin Valley.” ( McFarland, J. (n.d.). San Joaquin Light & Power Corporation Building. Historic Fresno. Retrieved from https://www.historicfresno.org/nrhp/sjlp.htm
Raymond R. Shaw, the chief designer at R. F. Felchlin Co., was responsible for the design and construction of the San Joaquin Light & Power building. Upon its completion in late 1923, the building’s intricate terra cotta details and Corinthian colonnade made it an architectural marvel. The upper floors are adorned with ornate terra cotta features, and the eighth and ninth floors feature a Corinthian order colonnade, adding to the building’s majestic presence. The San Joaquin Light and Power Building officially opened in March 1924, the building exemplifies the Italian Renaissance Revival style.
The building was distinctive in that, during its early years, it was brilliantly illuminated with colored floodlights, making it highly visible throughout the city. Forty-six different varieties of colors were arranged to create striking effects. They supposedly were the brightest illumination in the Pacific Southwest. In addition, the rooftop sign with the company name was lit. This was a monumental and significant building for the city.
By 1930, the SJL&P had merged with the Great Western Power Company, and both became part of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The SJL&P name and identity finally merged completely into the parent PG&E Company in 1939. The name on the roof sign, however, did not change to PG&E until well after World War II. PG&E vacated the building and moved into another building in Fresno in 1987.
Since its purchase in 2005 , Tutelian & Company, a leading real estate development company in the Central Valley, has utilized a wealth of experience and knowledge to lovingly restore the entire building. The Grand Tower now boasts two gorgeous, and fully restored ballrooms, plus over 80,000 square feet of Class A office space. The Grand Tower’s dedication to the revival of Downtown Fresno has guaranteed the survival of a building on the National Register of Historic Places, while also bringing businesses and people to the area.
