Historic Fresno landmark returns to city skyline

Crews work to reinstall the "G" sign atop the State Center Community College District Building on Fulton and Fresno streets in Downtown Fresno.

FRESNO, CALIF. – An iconic piece of Downtown Fresno history has returned to the skyline after its absence.

The “G” sign that sat atop the old Guarantee Savings & Loan Building was replaced on June 6 by American Crane Rental and CENCAL Services. Through their partnership with the State Center Community College District Building, the historic piece of Fresno history has returned to the city's skyline.

The project cost $29,715, according to a source.

It was originally put up in 1965. The sign’s presence was a landmark for Fresnans strolling the Fulton Mall in Downtown Fresno. People would often look up and get their daily forecast, as the sign’s color corresponded to the outside temperature that day. 

In early 2024, the sign was ordered to be removed. However, problems arose during the demolition, making the project take longer than expected.

The sign now has a reputation of being delayed. On Saturday, crews had to delay the sign’s erection due to damage to the frame. Crane operators would not have been able to suspend the sign without causing more damage. 

Crews waited for over three hours for a welder to arrive to allow a bigger frame to be installed. After adding to the frame, the sign was hoisted above the building in 20 minutes and fastened securely.

Engineers had hoped to make improvements on the original sign, but once it was seen up close, the damage was too much.

The sign’s return marks more rejuvenation for Downtown Fresno. Trying to bring back the old spark of Fresno’s history, the sign offers a beacon of hope to get Fresno’s downtown back to a place of art, community and business.

An official lighting ceremony for the sign will happen in the coming weeks.

Note: This story was updated on June 16 at 4:05 p.m. to add information about the cost of the project.