By Harrison Power
Downtown Modesto’s business district has seen considerable change over the years, brought on by noteworthy fires, extensive demolition, and redevelopment efforts. With the loss of much of Modesto’s early construction and commercial buildings from the early 20th century, the number of existing structures from that era which retain their historic integrity are few and far between. One notable survivor standing tall over the corner of J and 11th Streets is the beautiful Beaty Building, the four-story office building adorned with glazed orchid enamel brick and ivory terracotta trimming. In late 1925, as its construction was nearing completion, the building was praised as the largest and finest office building between Stockton and Fresno, and advertised as “Modesto’s Newest and Most Modern Office Building.” Today, the Beaty Building remains a beloved focal point of the downtown skyline and is worthy of celebration for its preserved historic character and lasting legacy.
Jack Beaty, who had been proprietor and lessee of the Hotel Hughson, announced his plans to construct an office building in April 1925, representing the largest single building project in Modesto at the time. Originally intended to be a three-story building, Beaty instructed the architects, Wieland Brothers of Modesto and Wallace Hubbert of San Francisco, to include an additional fourth floor due to anticipated community interest, achieving 90 offices and 12 storefronts. Construction of the brick and steel frame building was overseen by Leibert and Trobock of San Francisco. By September 1925, most of the 200 tons of steel framework had been erected, with Beaty targeting completion by January 1, 1926.
Amenities included an Otis 12-person elevator, steam heat, gas and electrical connections in every office, plumbed compressed air for dentists, ice water drinking fountains in all hallways, and a mail chute. It was lauded as the only office building in the Central Valley to have an elevator, and it was claimed to be the only office building in California to be heated by electricity. Offices were finished with hardwood floors and mahogany trim, and the lobby and hallway floors were finished in checkered flint tiles imported from Luxembourg.
Starting in early 1926, notable early tenants included the jeweler Charles Daunt, Victor Drug Co., attorney Thomas B. Scott, and Dr. Fred DeLappe along with several doctors, dentists, lawyers, and other professionals. On March 4, 1926, a major headline in the Modesto News Herald stated, “$250,000 Beaty Building Practically Complete,” marking nearly a year’s worth of construction on the prominent building.
Ownership of the Beaty Building changed hands a number of times in the 1960’s and 1970’s, representing different eras of refurbishment and investment. In 1963, Jack Beaty’s widow Winifred Beaty and son Cecil Beaty sold the office building to Mr. and Mrs. Sucher Shelly of San Francisco. Adlaw Investment Company of San Francisco then purchased the Beaty in 1965, which at the time was still the largest office building in Modesto. Adlaw facilitated the Beaty’s first major remodel and renovation. Between 1965-1966, Adlaw aimed to modernize the building’s storefronts (current locations of Taste Studio, Preservation Coffee & Tea, the Bead Shop and more) and design, retain the facade of the upper three floors, and add a sidewalk canopy. Some storefronts, like the corner Victor Drug Store (current location of Tresetti’s), were remodeled to have the display window entries removed to expand the interior spaces. Office interiors upstairs and the lobby were renovated as well. Ownership changed again in the late 1960’s to Henry Horn and Sons of San Francisco and Dr. Milton Rosenberg.
Finally in 1976, the Beaty Building was returned to local ownership when it was purchased by Wendell and Norma Reed of Basic Resources, the Reed Family entity which continues to own the building today. Wendell Reed had seen great potential in the office building amid efforts to revitalize the downtown area, and care was taken at the time to refurbish elements of the building while retaining original character. Following the purchase, Wendell Reed remarked to the Modesto Bee, “With some cosmetics and refurbishing…the Beaty should remain an important downtown asset.” On original details like the lobby and hallway floors, Reed remarked, “The tiles…are just too beautiful to spoil by covering with carpeting. But most everything else will get a new look…” An open house was held by Basic Resources in August 1977 to present “the fresh new look of one of Modesto’s oldest landmarks.”
Throughout its century-long presence at the corner of J and 11th Streets, the iconic Beaty Building has been a go-to destination in Downtown Modesto. The Beaty has remained a hallmark of the Modesto community in no small part for the care taken by past and current owners who appreciated the historic significance of the building while taking steps to ensure its continued capacity to serve future occupants. While the building has seen some changes over the years, targeted renovations to accommodate changing style preferences to attract visitors were balanced with the preservation of the building’s historic ornamentation, maintaining much of its original appearance today as it did when completed nearly a hundred years ago.
Are you interested in becoming a tenant of the Beaty Building and becoming part of its legacy? Join me and others with offices at the Beaty with spaces currently available for rent by contacting Basic Resources Inc. at 209-521-9771.
