The Ziggurat
Sacramento’s Iconic Pyramid of Progress
Rising from the banks of the Sacramento River like a modern monument to innovation and ambition, The Ziggurat is one of the most distinctive and recognizable buildings in California’s capital city. With its striking stepped pyramid design and golden-hued exterior, The Ziggurat is more than just a piece of architecture — it’s a symbol of vision, resilience, and the dynamic spirit of Sacramento’s growth.
Located in West Sacramento, directly across from the city’s bustling downtown core, this iconic structure commands attention, curiosity, and admiration from locals and visitors alike. But beyond its bold design, The Ziggurat has a fascinating story — one that mirrors the evolution of the region itself.
A Vision Realized: The Birth of The Ziggurat
Designed by renowned architect Edmund Garrott of the firm Edwin Kado and Associates, The Ziggurat was constructed in 1997 as the new headquarters for The Money Store, a mortgage lending company that sought to make a bold statement with its corporate offices. Inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats — tiered temples that symbolized grandeur and stability — Garrott’s design merged antiquity with modernity, creating a timeless silhouette on Sacramento’s skyline.
The result was a 10-story, 166,000-square-foot structure that not only broke the mold of traditional office buildings but also redefined West Sacramento’s waterfront.
Clad in precast concrete panels with a golden tint, the building changes character with the sun, gleaming brilliantly at sunset and appearing almost ethereal under the soft morning light. Its stepped design, with each floor receding inward, allows for expansive terraces and breathtaking views of the city, the river, and beyond.
Architecture That Inspires
What sets The Ziggurat apart is its fusion of bold aesthetics and practical engineering. The structure is designed to be seismically resilient, with deep foundations and reinforced materials capable of withstanding earthquakes — an essential consideration in California.
Inside, the building features an open atrium, high ceilings, and modern office spaces that reflect the original intent to blend form with function. The terraces, often overlooked in traditional office buildings, provide unique outdoor spaces for reflection, collaboration, and inspiration.
Despite its nod to ancient architecture, The Ziggurat is entirely modern in its execution. It’s a symbol of creativity, stability, and innovation, echoing the ambitions of Sacramento’s emerging role as a center for business, government, and culture.
From The Money Store to State Government
The Ziggurat’s original owner, The Money Store, occupied the building for only a short period before the company was sold, and the building changed hands. In 2001, the State of California took over the lease, and it has since become home to several state agencies, most notably the Department of General Services.
This transition from a corporate hub to a government facility reflects Sacramento’s unique identity — a city that bridges commerce and governance, tradition and transformation.
Today, The Ziggurat continues to operate as a functional and prominent space for public service, all while maintaining its allure as one of the most photographed and admired landmarks in the region.
Cultural Impact and Local Pride
For Sacramento residents, The Ziggurat is more than an office building — it’s a cultural icon. It has appeared in countless photographs, postcards, and local artwork. Its dramatic form has made it a popular backdrop for events, rallies, parades, and riverfront celebrations.
Its presence on the West Sacramento waterfront has also been pivotal in revitalizing the area. Surrounded by walking trails, nearby dining, and entertainment venues, The Ziggurat has become a catalyst for growth in what was once an overlooked stretch of riverfront property.
As Sacramento continues to expand and evolve, The Ziggurat stands as a reminder of what visionary thinking can achieve — a monument to the bold ideas and enduring spirit that define the city.
A Pyramid of Progress
In a city known for its history, governance, and innovation, The Ziggurat remains a standout — not only because of its architecture but because of what it represents. It is a pyramid of progress, a testament to the power of design, the importance of place, and the potential that lies in bold ideas.
Whether viewed from the Tower Bridge at sunset, reflected in the waters of the Sacramento River, or admired from the air on approach to the city, The Ziggurat is Sacramento’s pyramid — a landmark of ambition and identity.
