San Joaquin Light & Power Corporation Building
historic place
The San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation Building in Fresno, California, stands as a historic place. This eleven-story structure was constructed between 1923 and 1924. Designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style by the R.F. Felchlin Company, with Raymond R. Shaw as the chief designer, it became a prominent feature of downtown Fresno. The building served as the headquarters for the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation, a company instrumental in bringing electricity to homes and businesses throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Its construction symbolized the company's significant influence and the city of Fresno's growth during the 1920s. The exterior showcases detailed terra cotta and brickwork, including dentils, cartouches, and bronze medallions that feature the words "San Joaquin Power" alongside images of transmission lines. Recognized for its architectural design and historical importance, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 3, 2006. Over time, the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation became part of the larger Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Today, the building is known as The Grand 1401 and continues its use as commercial offices. It remains a significant visual landmark, reflecting a pivotal era in Fresno's and the region's development.