FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — For generations, it was one of the most recognizable features of the Fresno skyline.
The iconic “G” sign watched over downtown Fresno, serving as both a landmark and a symbol of the city. After being removed two years ago, a new version of the historic sign is finally back in its place high above downtown.
For many Fresno residents, the giant letter “G” is more than just a sign.
Built in 1965, the landmark stood prominently above the city for nearly six decades. The sign rotated, glowed, and even changed colors to indicate weather conditions. As shoppers and workers strolled along the Fulton Mall, many would look up at the “G” for their daily forecast.
“It definitely has historical significance to the city,” said Craig Speece of Ridge Runner Engineering. “It was kind of ahead of its time when it was put up.”
But after nearly 60 years overlooking Fresno, the sign’s age was beginning to show.
The landmark was removed in 2024 with hopes of making repairs. However, engineers soon discovered the damage was far more extensive than anticipated.
“It was concluded that it is not feasible to refurbish the existing sign,” Speece said.
Safety concerns ultimately led engineers to recommend replacing the structure entirely.
“Structurally, we felt it was necessary to take it down for safety concerns and to do some structural analysis on the roof to put up a new sign that would be more structurally sound and that it would also be able to be lit up again,” Speece explained.
The project’s mission quickly shifted from repairing the original sign to recreat it.
“From that point on, we worked with a design team and engineers to exactly replicate the design of the old sign as close as we could,” Speece said.
While the new sign closely resembles the original, it features modern upgrades. LED lighting has replaced the aging neon system, allowing the landmark to continue changing colors while improving efficiency and reliability.
“We have a new sign that has LED lights as part of the G symbol on the sign that is replicating the old neon light that the G sign used to be lit up with to change colors to indicate the temperature,” Speece said.
The new “G” stands 18 feet tall and reaches 74 feet when its spire is attached.
Getting the massive structure back atop the building was no easy task.
“So we’re in the process of rigging up the sign to get it all the way up on the roof, 200 feet up in the air,” Speece said during the installation.
Now, after years of planning, engineering, and construction, a beloved piece of Fresno history has returned to its place above downtown, once again becoming a defining part of the city’s skyline.