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San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation Building facts for kids

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San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation Building
2009-0725-CA-Fresno-SJLightPowerCorp.jpg
Former names Trade Center
San Joaquin Light & Power
Pacific Gas and Electric
PG&E Building
General information
Type Commercial offices
Architectural style Beaux-Arts
Location 1401 Fulton Street
Fresno, California
Coordinates 36°44′13″N 119°47′41″W / 36.7369°N 119.7947°W / 36.7369; -119.7947
Completed 1923
Height
Roof 52.8 m (173 ft)
Technical details
Floor count 11
Lifts/elevators 3
Design and construction
Architect Raymond R. Shaw
R.F. Felchlin Company
San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation Building
Built 1924
Architect Richard Felchlin
Architectural style Renaissance
NRHP reference No. 05001497
Added to NRHP January 3, 2006

The San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation Building is a historic and very tall building in downtown Fresno, California. It has 11 floors and stands about 52.8 meters (173 feet) high! This impressive building was finished in 1923. It was built for a company called the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation. This company later became the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, often known as PG&E. The building was designed by Raymond R. Shaw from the R.F. Felchlin Company. It is the fourth tallest building in Fresno.

A Look Back: The Building's History

This building was created to be the main office for the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation. This company was very important for bringing electricity to homes and businesses in the Fresno area. Imagine a time when electricity was still new and exciting! This building helped make that happen.

Over time, the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation joined with another company. It became part of the much larger Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Because of this, the building was also known as the PG&E Building for many years.

A Special Landmark

The building is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 3, 2006. This means it's recognized as a special place that should be protected because of its history and design.

Building Design and Style

The San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation Building has a special look called Beaux-Arts. This style was popular a long time ago. It often features grand, fancy designs. You might see similar styles on important government buildings or museums.

The main architect who designed this building was Raymond R. Shaw. He worked for the R.F. Felchlin Company. They made sure the building looked strong and impressive. It was built to last and to show the power of the company it housed.

How Tall Is It?

This building has 11 floors. It reaches a height of about 52.8 meters (173 feet). That makes it one of the tallest buildings in Fresno. It stands out in the city's skyline.

The Building Today

Today, the building is known by a new name: The Grand 1401. It is still used for commercial offices. It continues to be an important part of downtown Fresno. It reminds people of the city's history and growth.

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