Bakersfield Californian Building, Bakersfield

The Bakersfield Californian Building is a historic office building and home to the newspaper, The Bakersfield Californian. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 10, 1983, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. This building has been a central fixture for the newspaper since its construction, reflecting the growth and development of Bakersfield's media landscape.

The building comprises two main structures faced with distinctive reddish-brown bricks, with the primary facade facing east. The four-story main building was initially rectangular but has since evolved into an L-shaped structure due to various additions over the years. A notable feature is the detached, 900-square-foot rectangular building at the northeast corner, initially designed as a women's rest facility, highlighting the thoughtful architectural planning for the building’s occupants.

Architecturally, the Bakersfield Californian Building is notable for its exterior brick pilasters on the secondary sides, which cover the structural steel, adding both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The main entrance on the eastern facade is striking, featuring seven wide granite steps leading to polished brass double glass doors. This entrance is divided into three sections by columns, each with large rectangular openings. The side sections include large multipaned windows with heraldic shields above, one of which bears the architect's name, adding to the building's historical charm. The center section, framed by Corinthian columns, includes the main doors and a multipaned transom, creating a grand and inviting entryway.

The parapet above the entrance is inscribed with "The Bakersfield Californian," a testament to the building's enduring role as the headquarters for the newspaper. A later renovation updated this inscription with a new font, blending modern touches with the building’s historic elements. This blend of old and new encapsulates the building's significance as both a historical landmark and a functional space for contemporary use.