Iconic pillar in Fresno High neighborhood on track to be rebuilt
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Councilmember Perea prioritizes reconstruction of century‑old Fresno High pillar
- Public Works seeks masonry contractor quotes to rebuild using recovered river rock, mortar and
- Officials aim to complete reconstruction by year‑end while assessing other pillars.
Plans to restore the historic Fresno High neighborhood pillar that was smashed to pieces in December are moving forward, said Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea.
“This is a priority project for our office, and we are making sure we stay on top of it,” Perea said.
The iconic pillar, one of four in the neighborhood, was demolished by a drunk driver on Dec. 18. The 10-foot high pillar stood for nearly a century at Palm and Simpson avenues and was built out of river rock, mortar and brick.
Historians said the Fresno High pillars served as markers for the Boulevard Gardens home development and only a few remain.
New and longtime residents of the area lamented the loss of the pillar saying it was a distinctive landmark of the historic neighborhood.
Perea agreed and has been working to reconstruct the pillar.
Perea’s district director Mayra Campa said the city Public Works Department is in the process of getting quotes from qualified masonry contractors.
Perea’s office is also working with the Planning Department to get the Historical Preservation Architectural Subcommittee information on the repair and reconstruction of materials.
The plan is to use a masonry expert to reconstruct the monument using any or all of the materials recovered from tumbled pillar. Campa said there is no timeline yet on when work would begin on the project.
“As soon as we get the quotes and choose the contractor, we will have a better idea of a timeline,” Campa said in a statement. “It is getting rebuilt and most likely completed by the end of the year or sooner unless there is some unforeseen delay.”
Fresno High neighbor Cathy Cirimele is happy the pillar is being rebuilt. She also hopes the remaining pillars get some attention as they are showing signs of deterioration.
“Neighbors are doing their best to try and keep them in as good a condition as they can,” Cirimele said. “But they also need a little help.”
This story was originally published January 28, 2026 at 5:34 AM with the headline "Iconic pillar in Fresno High neighborhood on track to be rebuilt."
