Results tagged “buildings” from Raincross Square

In 1964, after nearly 35 years in downtown Riverside, Sears Roebuck & Co. opened a new, larger "suburban-style" store about 5 miles southwest of its former Main Street store.

Then & Now
Riverside Sears: 1964 - 2008
Flash: View photo overlay


@2009
Area overview
MS Virtual Earth


@2009
Store overview
MS Virtual Earth


Mid-1960s
Full parking lot

Located on 19 acres at the northeast corner of Arlington and Streeter avenues, the 93,000 sq. ft., $3 million store was Sears' largest store in Inland Southern California when it opened. As a "Class A" store, it offered the retailers' complete line of merchandise -- both hard and soft goods. It also included a full-service automotive fueling and repair station. And, according to a Press-Enterprise article from November 1963, it included a 76-seat restaurant. (Can anyone confirm whether the restaurant opened, and if so, how long it remained?)

Though the iconic green Sears script logo, the gas station, the restaurant -- if there ever was one -- and the aroma of freshly-popped popcorn so many of us remember as kids are all long gone, the store itself remains much as it did in 1964, with a ground-level sales floor and full basement.

Outside, the exterior sports the classic "California" motif with mid-century facade, flagstone veneer and palm trees sprouting up through the overhangs. This design, seen in several west coast (a) stores built during the 1960s, was a product of Los Angeles-based Charles Luckman (b) & Associates (who also designed the former Broadway (c)/Macy's store at Riverside's Galleria at Tyler). For those interested, Lindgren & Swinnerton was the general contractor for the new store.

Prior to the Arlington Avenue location, Riverside's first Sears store opened in 1929 near the corner of Fifth and Main streets (near today's Marriott Hotel). Nine years later, on June 2, 1938, a newly-relocated Sears opened at 3700 Main Street. The new store, which replaced the 1890 Rubidoux Building, included two floors, a mezzanine and basement. It also provided "drive-up" service to an automotive center (d) in an adjacent building located at the rear (where Mario's restaurant is today). Enclosed skybridges provided access between the two buildings. For several years recently, the former Main Street Sears has housed the popular Mission Galleria antiques.

It's interesting to note the Arlington Avenue Sears is a bit of an anomaly in Southern California in that it is not located at or near a mall, but in fact is a full-size, stand-alone store. Most SoCal Sears, particularly those built post-1960, anchor malls, including nearby stores in San Bernardino, Montclair and Moreno Valley. But with the recent announcement of Gottschalks' bankruptcy and liquidation -- which will create a vacancy at the Riverside Plaza -- will Riverside's Sears make the move to a mall?

Flash: Riverside Sears: 1964 - 2008

More: RaincrossSquare.com - Then & Now

2008
"California" motif

2009
East entrance

2009
1960s logo

2009
Stairwell

2009
Escalators

2009
Basement

2009
Ground floor

2008
Sleek facade

2009
Automotive center

2009
Old Main
Street Sears

2008
Old Main
Street Sears

(a) Courtesy of Malls of America
(b) Loyola Marymount University - Charles Luckman Collection
(c) Courtesy of Jim Van Schaak
(d) Courtesy of RPD Remembers

As part of its plans for acquiring necessary land for future buildings, Riverside County is negotiating to purchase two buildings in downtown Riverside. The purchases of the buildings, which opened months apart in 1961, would consolidate county ownership of the block bounded by Main, Orange, Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets.

2009
Overview
MS Virtual Earth


2009
First American Title


2009
Mile Square Building

Though no immediate plans have been announced for the site, the long-term fate of the existing buildings -- First American Title Insurance Co. and Mile Square Building -- could be in question. According to statements given to The Press-Enterprise, the county's director of facilities management, Rob Field, says it's not likely the county would tear down the First American Title building, which fronts Fourteenth Street. However, even less assurance was given to the Mile Square Building, which faces Thirteenth Street.

Most folks will instantly recognize the First American Title building. Its traditional brick veneer, Colonial-style facade indeed is an instant eye catcher. The building was designed by Riverside architect Dale V. Bragg and constructed by Vern L. Miller of San Bernardino. City permits show the 2-story building at 8,766 sq. ft. (likely per floor) with a cost of $203,000. A 1978 permit shows an additional 7,276 sq. ft. tacked onto the building.

Also built by Miller and designed by Bragg is the adjacent and nearly twin-sized Mile Square Building. Though built at the same time as the neighboring Title building, Bragg designed the 2-story Mile Square Building with a sleek modern facade, using a mixture of earth-toned brick veneer and large panes of glass. City permits list the building at 8,850 sq. ft. (again, likely per floor) with a cost of $235,000.

In our opinion, the Mile Square Building -- along with the 1960 (former) IBM Building located nearby at 3610 Fourteenth Street -- is a nice representation of the "modernism" style of architecture popular during the 1950s and 1960s. But as with many buildings from this time period, the building -- and the style -- is often overlooked.

Though on the surface most folks would likely disagree, we'd rather see the Mile Square Building retained over the First American Title if only because the former pinpoints a specific period and style of building from America's post-war boom. Although an attractive and distinctive building in its own right, the same cannot be said of the Title building's early-American inspired motif (a style employed by First American Title on many of its buildings elsewhere).

Are the buildings worth preserving? For us, much would depend upon what eventually replaces one or both. Simply knocking them down for newer low-rise buildings -- or worse, asphalt parking -- would seem pointless and wasteful. With regards to the Mile Square Building, we'd hate to lose one of Riverside's distinctive 1960s, Mid-Century Modern office buildings. However, as it currently stands, the block is mostly underused and this portion of downtown is indeed best suited for future, large-scale office buildings. Thus, if a "super-block" plan emerges for the site, one which produces a "signature" building, the long-term benefits of such a development could likely sway us.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - County to buy downtown offices (Jan. 9)

Last month, California's State Historical Resources Commission added Riverside's downtown Central Fire Station to the state's Register of Historic Resources. Currently entering its sixth decade of operation, the building has come under threat recently as the city prepares to build a new fire station on the block directly behind the current location. And though the historic designation cannot keep the existing station from being torn down, it certainly helps protect it by making any re-development and/or demolition a bit more difficult.

2004
Central Fire Station
(aka Downtown Fire Station No. 1)


2008
Rear view


circa 1980
Central Fire Station*
Courtesy of Daniel Balboa

We've always had an eye for the building's simplistic, yet unique exterior, which is an excellent example of "form follows function" design. However, it wasn't until recent in-depth research in which our appreciation for the edifice was cemented.

Designed by local architect Bolton C. Moise, Jr., the structure came online in 1957 as a replacement for a station* located around the corner at Eighth (University) and Lemon streets. The layout of the new building incorporated the stacking of the dormitory quarters atop the ground-level offices -- while still maintaining immediate access to the engines -- thereby allowing for an adjacent, column-free engine bay* (a necessity for modern fire equipment). The new building also included modern fire communication equipment and updated living amenities.

During its early years, the station's design was heralded by city leaders and architects alike. But, as with many Mid-Century Modern buildings, the building has seen its share of indifference over the years as well.

Recently, the site has seen at least two mixed-use proposals, both of which included the demolition of the existing fire station. We're unsure as to the current status of the latest plan, which in light of current economic conditions, may have stalled.

Which brings us to today's question of what is to become of the building after the fire department relocates (and/or the latest development proposal stalls)?

Local historian Tanya Sorrell of ModernRiverside.com has a few ideas. She makes a good point the historic designation may actually make adaptive re-use a better alternative (and possibly more economically feasible). We agree with her suggestion the building could easily be reborn as a unique, destination-type cafe or restaurant (yes, with slide poles intact).

Even better, we particularly like her idea of it becoming a "modern" component to either the nearby Riverside Art Museum or possibly even the Riverside Metropolitan Museum. What better way to showcase contemporary art (or history) in a unique, Mid-Century Modern building while also preserving a bit of the city's recent architectural history?

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside fire station named historical site, despite city's request (Nov. 14)


• ModernRiverside.com - Fire Station No. 1 (aka Central Fire Station) placed on the California Register (Nov. 2008)


• ModernRiverside.com - Spotlight: Central Fire Station (Dec. 2007)

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Riverside Roundup -- 09/13/2008

* Photos courtesy of Daniel Balboa

After weeks of speculation, Riverside County agreed late last month to purchase the 10-story Regency Tower currently under construction in downtown Riverside. The $126.5 million purchase will consolidate the offices for the District Attorney, which are currently scattered in at least 10 buildings around downtown.

Oct. 2008
Regency Tower


Oct. 2008
View from Lemon Street


Nov. 2008
The city-owned
Orange Square parking structure

Yet to be decided is whether the DA will be sharing the 260,000 sq. ft. building with other departments, namely the Public Defender. County officials expect the DA to fill approximately three-quarters of the space with the rest reserved for future use. This has led some officials to call for sharing of the building in the interim.

The sale of the building to Riverside County leaves the City of Riverside with questions surrounding the original deal made with Silagi Development, namely whether the building -- originally envisioned as private Class A office space -- will provide the same economic benefit in county hands. And though this is a valid concern, it could be negligible as the sale will likely trigger additional office projects downtown -- including one recently proposed for University at Lime -- in order to fill market demand.

However, the original agreement between the city and Silagi contained concessions with regards to on-site parking requirements. Although Regency Tower will include 330 spaces in three-levels of subterranean parking, the developer secured additional required spaces -- at a discounted price -- from the city. The $4 million agreement allows daytime use of 400 spaces in the 540-space, city-owned parking structure across the street. City officials estimate the 400 spaces cost $7 million to build. Thus, the agreement effectively provided a subsidy of $3 million to the developer.

Yet, some have speculated Riverside County will end up purchasing the Orange Square parking structure, which could help the city recover some or all of its $17.3 million cost in building the structure (which was completed in 2005). But, depending upon how such a possible agreement is drawn up -- e.g., allowing public access during evening hours -- it could also potentially cause the loss of prime public parking (at least until a replacement garage could be built).

Overall, the sale of Regency Tower to Riverside County is a mixed bag. Indeed, the city will lose some of the economic benefits associated with a new private-use office building. It will also have to contend with the end results of the original parking agreement that is, in effect, now being transferred to the county. However, by purchasing Regency Tower, the county will save taxpayers millions of dollars by not having to construct its own building. Moreover, the sale will likely spur other Class A buildings to be constructed downtown, which essentially could replace the high-end, private-use office space being lost with the transaction.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside County district attorney's new tower rivals space in posh law firms (Nov. 07)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Officials push Pacheco to share new building (Nov. 02)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - District attorney's operations occupy buildings throughout Riverside (Oct. 28)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside officials feeling buyer's remorse about downtown office building deal (Oct. 25)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Delay sought on county office tower vote over dispute about parking spaces (Oct. 21)

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - County eyeing new office tower (Sept. 2008)


• RaincrossSquare.com - Update: Regency Tower - July 2008


• RaincrossSquare.com - Ground broken for downtown office building (Feb. 2008)


• RaincrossSquare.com - Site cleared for downtown office building (April 2007)

Jan. 2007

Feb. 2008

July 2008

Aug. 2008

Oct. 2008

Riverside County is in negotiations to buy the 10-story Regency Tower currently under construction in downtown Riverside. If the sale goes as planned, the privately-developed building will house the District Attorney's office, which is currently scattered in as many as 10 offices around town.

Aug. 2008
Regency Tower
Orange at Tenth streets

Though the reported purchase price of $128 million will no doubt save the county money relative to last year's $216 million proposal for a new DA office building, the cost to Riverside could be significant. The city would lose new high-end office space aimed at attracting more professional clientele downtown. It would also mean lost property taxes for the city as government buildings are typically off the tax rolls.

With or without the purchase by the county, however, the city is likely to see more office buildings constructed as local real estate experts say demand is high for Class A office space downtown:

In fact, developer Moshe Silagi -- who is building Regency Tower on spec -- says the sale may spur another building of his downtown. This comes on the heels of a recent proposal by another developer for a $40 million, 6-story office building at the corner of University Avenue and Lime Street, on the former Brown's Engine site adjacent to the 91 Freeway.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - DA's office plan would save Riverside County money, but at what cost to city? (Sept. 4, 2008)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside County in talks to buy unfinished building for DA's office (Aug. 26, 2008)

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Update: Regency Tower - July 2008


• RaincrossSquare.com - Ground broken for downtown office building (Feb. 2008)


• RaincrossSquare.com - Site cleared for downtown office building (April 2007)

Over the past 96 years, downtown Riverside has seen 2 main post offices built, the first in 1912 and the second in 1939.

U.S. Post Office
Late 1950s - 2008
Flash: View photo overlay

First came the 1912 Federal Building located on Seventh Street (Mission Inn Avenue). Sporting Italian-Renaissance architecture, the building served as the city's main post office for nearly 30 years. Afterward, the building became the headquarters for the 4th Air Force during World War II. Later uses included housing the city's police department*, and currently, the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.

The second downtown post office, located a few blocks away on the northeast corner of Ninth and Orange streets, came online just as World War II was beginning. Built at a cost of $175,900, this later version sports Spanish-Mission architecture with Art Deco/Moderne-influenced designs inside.

Seen in photos approximately 50 years apart, this second post office remains an architectural gem in downtown today. Note in the 1950s photo the lack of trees but a hedge which still remains today. Note also that Orange Street is a two-way street as opposed to today's one-way between University Avenue and Fourteenth Street.

Finally, visible in the far right background of the earlier photo is the First Baptist Church. Located at the northeast corner of Ninth and Lemon, the church site today is home to a 5-story building constructed in the late 1980s.

Flash: Downtown Post Office - Late 1950s - 2008

* Photo courtesy of RPD Remembers

Rendering
Silagi Development


Project site
Google

A drive past the site of the Regency Tower site in downtown Riverside shows work is well underway on the 3-level, underground parking garage for the $70 million office building.

The past few weeks has seen the arrival of an on-site crane used for the building's skeletal steel frame. Over the next several months, downtown visitors will see the steel frame, which is currently at ground level, rise up into the city's skyline.

Site preparation for the project began in April 2007 with actual construction starting on the subterranean parking this past February. Completion of the 10-story, 250,000 sq. ft. building is expected in late 2009.

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Ground broken for downtown office building (Feb. 2008)


• RaincrossSquare.com - Site cleared for downtown office building (April 2007)

Jan. 2007

Feb. 2008

July 2008

July 2008
Underground
parking

After nearly 2 years of construction and renovation, Riverside's Arlington Branch Library reopened to the public this past week following an 8,000 sq. ft. addition to the 99-year-old building. The new wing nearly triples the size of the current library to 13,000 sq. ft.

2008
Original building


2008
New addition


2008
Shades of the past

The new addition mimics the original building's Greek Revival styling, which was designed by local architect Seeley L. Pillar. When it first opened on June 1, 1909, the new library was the city's first "branch" library and was built to serve the southern and western portions of Riverside.

Though not technically a Carnegie library, the city built the Arlington Branch after obtaining $7,500 from the Carnegie Foundation for expanding the downtown library. The grant used for the downtown expansion freed up $7,500 for the new Arlington library, which also included a fire station attached to the back of the building.

A year-long, $8,000 renovation began in 1927 to upgrade the library after it was declared structurally unsafe, causing a temporary closure. Subsequent renovations and expansions over the years included an extensive rehab during the late 1950s; the re-use of the space housing the former fire station in 1968 (which had relocated to a separate building about a quarter-mile east on Magnolia Avenue in 1938); and another renovation in 1996.

Today, the new wing houses the majority of the library's collection of 45,000 titles. An expanded children's section, lower shelving heights and several seating areas help give the new addition a bookstore atmosphere, while natural lighting provided by expansive windows and skylights gives the library an open-air feel. Thirty-four computers and 2 self-checkout stations round out the expanded facility.

The former main room in the original building is now a 110-seat community room. Historic photographs of Riverside's past act as translucent shades on the windows that surround the room.

In a nod to the building's past, the library's new entrance uses the old stable building from the days when the structure housed the fire station. Located in this new foyer are two glass cases housing both fire- and citrus-related memorabilia from the city's past.

The reopening of the Arlington Branch is the latest improvement made to the city's 7-branch library system, which is in the midst of its largest building and renovation campaign in its history. Other projects include the soon-to-open Orange Terrace Branch Library, the relocation of the Marcy Branch Library and the expansion/renovation of downtown's Central Library. It also comes on the heels of the recent expansions/renovations at the Eastside Library/Cybrary and the La Sierra Branch Library as well as the opening of the Casa Blanca Library & Family Learning Center a few years back.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Renovated Arlington branch library ready to open doors to Riverside public (June 4)


• Riverside Public Library

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Relocation of Marcy Branch likely (May 2008)


• RaincrossSquare.com - Library-museum task force convenes (April 2008)


• RaincrossSquare.com - Library should remain downtown (July 2007)

2006
Former stable

2008
New foyer

2008
New wing

2008
Computer stations

2008
Stylish seating

2008
Community room

In the midst of planning an expansion for the downtown branch, news surfaced recently regarding the future of another branch within Riverside's library system, this time involving the possible relocation of the tiny, but unique, Marcy Branch.

2008
Current Marcy Branch


2008
Future Marcy Branch?

Located on Central Avenue just west of the Riverside Plaza, the Marcy Branch opened in 1958 replacing the temporary Magnolia Center Branch established nearby in late 1951. The branch was named after longtime Riverside resident Charles F. Marcy, whose bequest helped provide funding for the new building.

The fanciful design of the circular, single-story library includes elements of post and beam construction that was popular at the time and is yet another fine example of mid-century architecture by noted Riverside architect Herman O. Ruhnau. The interior looks to be mostly intact, including what appears to be original lighting above the central reference desk.

The relocation proposal shifts the contents of the Marcy Branch into the former Auto Club building located about a half-mile away near the intersection of Magnolia and Arlington avenues. The plan calls for the library to occupy the first floor of the two-story, 19,000 sq. ft. building while city officials say offices for the city's Parks Department could occupy the second level.

Overall, we like the relocation plan. There's no doubt the Marcy Branch is severely cramped. The proposed move would nearly double the floor space over the existing Central Avenue location and even allow the possibility for future expansion upstairs. But, what's to become of the current Marcy building? That's a question not yet answered.

Although easy to overlook and under appreciate in its current setting, we feel the existing Marcy building deserves to be preserved. Surely, the city can find an internal use for it, one that doesn't entail significant modification or costs. In fact, one such possibility comes from our friend Tanya at ModernRiverside.com. She has an excellent idea for reusing the Marcy building to house the library's Local History Resource Center, which is currently located in the basement of the downtown branch. Not only would this save the iconic Ruhnau-designed building, it would also allow greater access to more of the library's extensive local history collection.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Plan would give Riverside's Marcy Branch Library room to grow


• City of Riverside - Riverside Public Library

Update

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Purchase approved for library branch (June 5)

2008
Clean

2008
Crisp

2008
Colorful

Feb. 2008
Tenth at Orange streets


Rendering of Regency Tower
Silagi Development

Ground was broken recently on the largest, non-governmental office building to be built within downtown Riverside in over 15 years. When completed, the 10-story Regency Tower will also be the tallest structure built since the 12-story Marriott (Sheraton) Hotel opened in 1987.

Located at the corner of Tenth and Orange streets, the 250,000 sq. ft. building will include 3 levels of underground parking, which will be a nice change from the typical above-ground garage -- or worse, ground-level asphalt lots.

Our main question is why such a long dry spell between large, steel-framed high-rises? After an initial boom in the mid-1970s followed by mini-booms in both the mid-1980s and early-1990s, downtown had not seen a significant steel-framed structure built until the 150,000 sq. ft., 5-story Press-Enterprise building was completed in early 2007.

With having one of the few well-established and authentic downtowns within Southern California, it's difficult to fathom why Riverside has lagged recently in this regards.

Overall, our hope is that Regency Tower signals a new era of higher densities for downtown Riverside. The city (and the region) simply cannot continue building forever outward.

Photo Gallery: Downtown Riverside - Buildings & Skyline

Update

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Big dig underway for Riverside's tallest privately owned building (Feb. 22)

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Site cleared for downtown office building (April 2007)

Site preparation has begun and construction is expected to start next month on Regency Tower in downtown Riverside, the city's largest downtown office project since the completion of Riverside Metro Center in 1990.

2007
Regency Tower


Location
Google

Situated at the corner of Tenth and Orange streets, Regency Tower will replace the recently demolished Riverside County Municipal Court building, a 1950s-era low-rise. Plans call for a ground floor coffee shop as well as a 3-level, underground parking structure accommodating 330 vehicles. Also planned is a second, smaller building -- possibly including a restaurant -- connected via a landscaped courtyard.

The 10-story, 250,000 square foot office building is part of the city and county's efforts at redeveloping portions of downtown and will be the tallest structure built downtown since the 12-story Marriott (Sheraton) opened in 1987. The most striking architectural feature will be a dome situated atop the building at the corner of Tenth and Orange streets, which adds a distinctive feature over the typical flat-roofed office buildings currently populating downtown.

We're glad to see the coffee shop and other similar commercial uses planned within the mix, which will help spur more and varied interaction at the street level. Likewise, we're also glad to see underground parking as opposed to a separate, above-ground parking garage, or worse -- an asphalt lot.

Regency Tower comes on the heels of the recently completed, 5-story office building for The Press-Enterprise newspaper. A second 5-story office project proposed for Olivewood Avenue near Fourteenth Street is in the early planning stages. Together, the three projects signal the end of a 15-plus year drought for larger, steel-framed downtown office buildings. Hopefully, the recent activity will spur other developers downtown as opposed to simply planting down more low-rises on the city's suburban fringe.

Jan. 2007
Building site
(pre-demolition)

Feb. 2007
Former building

Feb. 2007
Former building

Feb. 2007
Demolition

Apr. 2007
Site preparation

Last month, one of Southern California's notable post-modern architects, Herman O. Ruhnau, passed away at the age of 93 in Riverside, a city in which he left a distinctive architectural legacy.

A German by descent, Mr. Ruhnau was born Sept. 1, 1912, in Santa Barbara, eventually moving with his family to Pasadena before permanently relocating to Riverside. Ruhnau studied architecture at USC and served as an architect in the Navy during World War II, returning to Riverside following the war.

2006
Riverside County
Administrative Center (1975)


2006
Riverside City Hall (1975)


Original model of City Hall
Ruhnau/PE photo

In 1950, Mr. Ruhnau was a founding partner of the Riverside architectural firm now known as Ruhnau, Ruhnau & Clarke. Among the buildings designed by Ruhnau's firm are two of the city's most prominent buildings: Riverside City Hall (1975) and Riverside County Administrative Center (1975):

Ruhnau's firm specialized in public buildings and built numerous schools throughout Inland Southern California, including La Sierra High School (1969), Norte Vista High School and Sherman Indian High School, all in Riverside. Ruhnau also designed the city's Marcy Branch Library (1958) and worked on the designs for Corona Naval Hospital in Norco.

Probably the most unique feature designed by the firm for Riverside that remains today is the downtown Main Street pedestrian mall (1966). Designed in response to the suburban exodus of retailers for large shopping malls -- including Riverside Plaza (1956) -- the pedestrian mall is making a comeback today as both residents, retailers and businesses alike rediscover its uniqueness and charm in the heart of downtown Riverside.

The non-vehicular, park-like mall stretches for 7 city blocks (Tenth to Third streets) with only one interruption (Fifth to Sixth streets) and one yet to be fully developed portion (Fourth to Third streets). Major anchors along the mall include the Mission Inn, California Tower, UCR/CMP, UCR/Culver Arts Center, Riverside Marriott as well as two civic buildings: Raincross Square Convention Center and the aforementioned City Hall.

Although a number of similar pedestrian malls were created as a response to the suburban phenomenon that deserted many downtowns during the post-war years, only a handful remain intact today, something residents and city leaders alike should remember when major changes are proposed.

In 1974, Mr. Ruhnau was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. He received a lifetime achievement award from the Inland Chapter of the AIA this past April.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Architect Herman Ruhnau dies at 93
• Los Angeles Times - Herman Ruhnau, 93; Architect Designed Riverside City Hall

2006
Pedestrian Mall

2006
City Hall

2006
City Hall

@1973
Riv. Co. Admin
Rhunau

@1976
Riv. Co. Admin
Rhunau

Considered one of the finest examples of Beaux Arts Classical architecture in the nation, the Riverside County Courthouse is a gem among civic buildings.

Designed by the architectural firm of Burnham and Bliesner of Los Angeles, the 1903 courthouse is patterned after the "Grand Palais" (Grand Palace) and "Petit Palais" (Little Palace) both from the 1900 Universal Exposition (World's Fair) in Paris.

Riverside County Courthouse
Main Street at Tenth Street
Flash: View photo overlay


1900
Grand Palais
Paris, France


2006
Riverside County Courthouse

The courthouse, which originally cost a mere $160,280 to construct, was rededicated October 5, 1998 following a 3-year, $25 million renovation and seismic upgrade.

The picturesque courthouse was the indirect result of an intra-county tax dispute. San Bernardino County -- of which at the time included present-day Riverside -- voted to raise taxes to fund expansion of the existing county courthouse located in downtown San Bernardino. However, this new tax was not taken lightly in Riverside, wherein higher property values equated to a higher share of the overall courthouse tax. Compounded by other similar issues, this new tax spurred Riverside officials to expedite proceedings that eventually led to the May 2, 1893 establishment of Riverside County.

Of course, Riverside now needed to fund and build its own county courthouse. Fortunately, the city's continuing rise in wealth made such funding much easier. In fact, by 1895 -- just 2 years following the establishment of the new county -- the City of Riverside was the richest city per capita in the United States. As such, the city soon began the process of commissioning new civic buildings -- including the courthouse -- that reflected the city's new wealth and stature.

However, had the city and county gone the expected route of building a Mission Revival-styled courthouse (as backed by influential Mission Inn owner Frank Milller), the elegant courthouse we see today may not have been. Instead, county supervisors were eventually persuaded in favor of a French-inspired, Beaux-Arts design. Without a doubt, the significance of that decision could not be more important today as the unique courthouse stands out among civic buildings.

In 1930, a major expansion to the courthouse by local architect G. Stanley Wilson increased courtrooms on the back, or eastern elevation (Orange St.). Designed to mimic the original Beaux-Arts motif, the expansion fits in well against the original design. However, a bulky and spartan post-war addition to the southeastern elevation (Orange/Eleventh streets), though unique in its own way, stands out in stark contrast against the magnificently detailed facades of both the original and expansion.

Regardless, thanks to the foresight of county supervisors in 1995, the grand courthouse will stand for generations to come, reminding residents and visitors alike of both the wealth and vision of the city's residents during the formative years.

Flash: County Courthouse: 1960s - 2006

Photo Gallery: Riverside County Courthouse

Related

• Galeries nationales du Grand Palais
• Musee du Petit Palais

1900
Petite Palais
Paris, France

2006
Riv. Co.
Courthouse

2006
Riv. Co. Courthouse
1930s expansion

2006
Riv. Co. Courthouse
Post-war addition

The regional office market is among the strongest in the nation. Hopefully, this will spur a new round of Class A, mid-rise and high-rise office projects, which the area has not seen in substantial numbers since the late 1980s. There's no doubt the area is severely under-developed in this regards. But, that's one of the many drawbacks of an overly-suburban landscape.

Thankfully, there are a few "urban" bright spots in the downtowns of Riverside and San Bernardino, and to a lesser extent -- though no less in potential -- downtown Redlands. Likewise, residents are finally beginning to tire of the endless suburb and appear to be slowly accepting the notion of higher densities in some pockets -- though, there's still a long way to go toward changing the area's overall "single family residential only" mentality: For-sale signs sprout after apartment OKs; Lawsuit opposes 304-unit project).

In reality, however, there's only one sensible way to go -- up.