[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN CELEBRATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLD ADMINISTRATION 
                    BUILDING AT FRESNO CITY COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fresno City College 
on the occasion of the 100th year celebration ceremony for the restored 
Old Administration Building. The Old Administration Building is an icon 
in the landscape of Fresno, made even more special by the fact that it 
was once on the verge of demolition and saved by a strong effort of the 
local community.
  The Old Administration Building was originally built in 1916 as the 
first permanent structure of the Fresno State Normal School Campus. The 
building is known for its rich brick surface and open air courtyards. 
Its beautiful decorative features include handmade hard-burned bricks, 
classic ornamentation at the entrances and geometric details in the 
brick on the east and west walls of the auditorium. In 1921, the school 
developed into Fresno State Teacher's College and eventually Fresno 
City College in 1956 when Fresno State moved to a new campus several 
miles north.
  In 1974, the Old Administration Building was listed in the National 
Register of Historic places. Unfortunately, the beautiful building 
stood vacant for more than 30 years due to safety concerns and was 
boarded up and fenced off. After questions were raised on the possible 
future of the building, the local community and former students 
appealed for an effort to restore the prior prestige of the building. 
Today we are proud to say that we succeeded in our mission and are 
gathered to celebrate its 100th year.
  Because of our community's strong desire in the restoration of the 
Old Administration Building, the project was very close to my heart. 
During my years in the California State Legislature I worked to raise 
awareness about this historic building and helped raise funds to 
restore its beauty. Fortunately, the funding for the restoration was 
made possible with the passage of Measure E in 2002. In 2007, the first 
phase of the reconstruction began, and the building underwent 
structural, mechanical and electrical improvements.
  It is my great pleasure to congratulate the administration, staff, 
former and current students on the anniversary of the 100th year of 
this historic building. I am pleased to see the community come together 
to save the Old Administration Building from demolition and bringing it 
back to fully functional use at Fresno City College. On this day, I 
also want to commemorate the service of all the staff and faculty 
members who work hard to bring change in the society through education. 
I send my best wishes for many more years to come.

                          ____________________