Maubridge Apartments

Maubridge Apartments (1911)

2344 Tulare Street
Benjamin G. McDougall, Architect

The Maubridge Apartments' name came from combining the names Maupin and Trowbridge. It was built in 1911-1912 by Dr. J. L. Maupin and Dr. D. H. Trowbridge, Sr., prominent local medical doctors at the time. It is the earliest substantial apartment building in Fresno still standing. It was advertised in 1912 as a prestigious and exclusive address. The structure was designed by Benjamin G. McDougall, who designed many residences in Fresno.

The major interior feature of interest is the original Otis electric elevator. It is one of the oldest operating elevators west of the Mississippi River, installed on June 12, 1911.

In approximately 1951-52, the owner added a wood-framed stucco penthouse to the roof-he wanted a view of the Sierra's. I understand by this time, a judge owned the building. An adjacent six-level parking garage was also added. The cut granite curb adjacent to the property and the corner fluted, cast-iron electrolier were in place prior to 1919. The interior is little changed from its original condition.
  

 

Maubridge Apartments (1911)
Period Revival

Description
Located at Tulare and N Streets in downtown Fresno, this brick-walled structure, rectangular in plan, has a full basement, four stories of apartments, and a penthouse. It has concrete foundation walls, interior wood framing, wood stud interior bearing walls, wood floor joists and wood roof trusses.
The facade has a tri-partite vertical organization: the first floor features arcaded windows of alternating widths and ornamental arched brick work. The smooth brick of this lower division is variegated and a slightly deeper red than upper divisions. The second and third-floor windows rest on a horizontal white metal belt cornice molding with white formed quoins and trim surrounding the windows and spandrel panels. The fourth floor windows rest on a horizontal white metal belt cornice molding. The windows are double-arched and single square head; there are formed, white-trimmed enclosing arch shapes with medallions over the windows at each opening. The facade is topped by a white-capped parapet wall above a white projecting main cornice with attached brackets and trim, all fabricated from formed sheet metal. Exterior brick work is variegated in color, of smooth finish, and laid in common bond with gray mortar.
The main entrance to the first floor has an ornamental projecting metal marquee supported from the wall. The exterior entryway has the original marble treads, risers and paving. Both street facades have the original exterior metal fire escapes, with the later addition of counter-weighted ladders for ground access.

From: Fresno County, CaliforniaBiographical Sketches~ Leading Citizens1933

J. L. MAUPIN, M. D.

Dr. J. Lawrence Maupin was leader of the medical profession in Fresno for many years, and was the son of an early time Fresno physician. For four years he was a member of the California Board of Medical examiners, and as one of the founders of the Burnett sanitarium, he was the president of the company up to the time of his death, October 1, 1930.

James Lawrence Maupin was born April 19, 1868, at Columbia, Missouri, the son of Dr. W. T.- and Mary Ann (Matthews) Maupin. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1887, and then coming to California, spent the year 1888 at Cooper Medical College, San Francisco. Returning East, he was graduated from the Missouri College of Physicians and Surgeons in St. Louis, with his M. D. degree.

In the meantime, his parents had come to Fresno, where the father was established in practice. Father and son had offices together for many years. The young man became physician for the Southern Pacific railroad, and grad­ually extended his practice. Becoming associated later with Dr. J. D. Davidson, one of the leading surgeons of that time, on Dr. Davidson’s death, Dr. Maupin devoted himself exclusively to surgical practice and to his work as chief of the medical staff on the Burnett sanitarium. He and Dr. A. B. Cowan built the Physicians building, Fresno and P streets, which now houses five doctors.

Dr. Maupin was married November 6, 1895, to Mary Helm, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Helm. They had two children: Dr. J. L. Maupin Jr., and W. T. Maupin, the latter named after his grandfather.

Dr. Maupin was a member of Las Palmas Lodge of Masons, No. 366, of the Knights Templar and of the Shrine. He was enrolled with the University Sequoia club and the Sunnyside Country club.