Architecture View By Bob Barzan
Endangered Modesto Buildings
Last month I asked people to nominate buildings for Modesto’s first endangered buildings list. These are structures or landscapes that have become part of Modesto’s identity either because of their design or history and are in danger or threat because they are under used, abandoned, vandalized, not maintained, or may be torn down. The nominations so far are:
Greyhound Bus Station, 10th and G, has been the depot for Pacific Greyhound since the company began in 1930. The present building is a 1941 remodel.
The Tower Club on Camellia near Yosemite, now an Eagles Lodge, was constructed in 1926 and was infamous as a prohibition era speakeasy.
101 Magnolia, was the boyhood home of Richard Bare, Hollywood director (Maverick, Twilight Zone, Cheyenne. The house was built in 1917; George Hilburn designed an expansion in 1928 when it was a model home showcasing modern design and appliances.
The former World Savings Building, 10th and I, was designed by Mortensen and Hollstien and opened in 1965. It’s one of the best modernist buildings in the area.
The McClure House was built by Confederate Civil War veteran Bailey Peyton Hogin in the 1880s. One of few 19th century buildings left in Modesto.
The KTRB building on Norwegian became the home of the radio station in 1942. KTRB championed the music of the Maddox Brothers and Rose from this station and featured legendary DJ and musician Chester Smith.
The Lion Bridge was opened in 1916 and designed by John B. Leonard, the forward thinking engineer that advocated for the use of reinforced concrete.
The sunken garden at the old city hall building at H and 11th
The former Elk’s Lodge at 13th and I was built in 1924 and is one of the great buildings downtown.
The Victorian house on the corner of Tully and Orangeburg was probably built in the 1890s.
The former Southern Pacific Depot was designed by the Southern Pacific Architecture Bureau and opened in 1915.
In the coming weeks, members of Modesto Heritage will research the nominations and select the buildings for Modesto’s first endangered building list. You can still make nominations, send them to modestoartmuseum@yahoo.com
Bob Barzan Modesto Art Museum
Photo Credits: McHenry Museum
