San Diego County Administration Center
The San Diego County Administration Center is sited on 16.7 acres of reclaimed tidelands of San Diego’s bayfront. The main 4-story building with central 10-story tower has 3-story adjoining wings on each side. The structure, Spanish-Revival with 1930s Streamline Moderne influences, also displays classical Beaux-Arts touches. The building, nicknamed the Jewel on the Bay, houses the offices of the Government of San Diego County. It was completed in 1938, funded primarily by the Works Progress Administration. Architects were Samuel Wood Hamill, William Templeton Johnson, Richard Requa and Louis John Gill. The building used innovative construction techniques to exceed earthquake safety standards. “The Guardian of Water” sculpture and fountain was created by noted Southern California sculptor, Donal Hord. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Diego, San Diego County
Photographer: John Bare