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Results tagged “museum” from Raincross Square
Long-time Riverside photographer, Michael J. Elderman, has spent nearly 3 years photographing the restoration of downtown Riverside's Fox Theater as it transforms into the 1,600 seat Fox Performing Arts Center.
Riverside's Fox Theater:
An Intimate Portrait
Michael J. Elderman
Hired by the restoration's project manager to visually capture the massive renovation of the Fox, Elderman soon realized he had the makings for a book. As such, he began planning "Riverside's Fox Theater: An Intimate Portrait," a new, self-published book of his that is expected to become available in mid-December (just in time for January's debut of the new Fox).
On Monday night, Nov. 9th, a photographic exhibit based upon the book will open at La Sierra University with a reception at the university's Brandstater Gallery beginning at 6 p.m. In addition to Elderman's exhibit, the reception will include related discussions and presentations.
Admission to both the reception and exhibit, which runs through December 10th, is free. The university is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, about a mile north of the 91 Freeway in southwestern Riverside.
In mid-December, Elderman's exhibit will shift to the Riverside Art Museum in downtown Riverside, where Elderman plans to offer the Fox book for sale during a special book signing event.
The nearly $30 million renovation of the Fox Theater is part of the city's $1.68 billion "Riverside Renaissance" plan, which includes everything from railroad grade separations and general city infrastructure (roads, sewers, etc.) to new/refurbished parks and cultural amenities.
Update
- InstantRiverside.com - Fox Performing Arts Center book by Michael Elderman nearly complete (Dec. 2009)
Related
- Michael J. Elderman photography
- La Sierra University - Riverside's Fox Theater: Illuminated Process
- Riverside Renaissance - Fox Performing Arts Center
- Riverside Art Museum
- Broadway in Riverside
- InlandArts.com
- InstantRiverside.com - The Fox Theater renovation (Sept. 2009)
Previous
- RaincrossSquare.com - Fox Theater restoration moving along (June 2009)
Familiar name eyeing Gottschalks
2009
Riverside Plaza
In January, Fresno-based Gottschalks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, raising questions on what might come of the chain's 58 department stores spread over six states. Seven of those stores are located at malls within Inland Southern California, including Riverside Plaza.
Less than two weeks before a March 30 bankruptcy deadline, a Press-Enterprise article reports that Spanish retailer El Corte Ingles is one of three potential parties interested in bidding for Gottschalks. The Spanish company has Inland ties dating back to its 1983 purchase of San Bernardino-based Harris' department store, which it sold to Gottschalks in 1998. (It remains one of Gottschalks major stockholders and even retains ownership over two former Harris' locations in San Bernardino and Moreno Valley.)
If a purchaser fails to materialize before the deadline, liquidation sales could begin as soon as April 3.
Update:
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Retailers appear eager to fill up vacant Inland big box sites (June 14)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Gottschalks chain's closing is tale of two icons (April 1)
- InstantRiverside.com - Gottschalks bought by liquidator (March 31)
Previous:
- RaincrossSquare.com - Battered economy, battered retailers could spell trouble for some local malls (Jan. 21)
Fleetwood looking for buyer
Fleetwood
Fleetwood Enterprises
Another California company struggling in today's dire economy, this one with even closer ties, is Riverside-based Fleetwood Enterprises. The company, which makes recreational vehicles and manufactured housing, filed for bankruptcy protection last week. The 59-year-old company is currently seeking a buyer.
Once the dominant player in the RV industry, Fleetwood has struggled the past several years under the weight of debt, most of which was accumulated during a now failed attempt to diversify into the retailing arm of manufactured housing.
Fleetwood's bankruptcy doesn't necessarily spell the end of the company (nor even the name itself), but it could deal a significant blow to the Inland region's RV industry, most of which appeared following Fleetwood's arrival in Riverside in 1963.
City Council agrees with plan to replace downtown library
2009
Central Library
Last month, the Riverside Board of Library Trustees brought forth a new proposal aimed at demolishing the current Central Library and replacing it with a new, larger building. Last week, the Riverside City Council approved the proposal, which is part of the on-going efforts of expanding and upgrading the downtown library and two nearby civic buildings (Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Riverside Municipal Auditorium).
Although we certainly would like to see all three buildings renovated and both the library and museum expanded, we are not in favor (one | two | three) of the proposal to demolish the current library. We feel knocking it down is simply unnecessary as the building, one of the best examples of mid-century, New Formalism architecture in the Inland region, is less than 45 years old. In our opinion, the $80 million cost of the "expanded" proposal -- nearly double the previous $45 million "basic" proposal -- would be better spent sensibly renovating the current building, and more importantly, upgrading the current services and staffing. (How about seriously beginning the process of digital archiving, in particular, the thousands of aging local history documents?)
The new proposal still has major obstacles to clear, namely the extra funding that will be required. Although some money from previously stalled plans is likely to still be available as part of the current Riverside Renaissance, this new proposal raises the cost of the projects to $80 million -- $55 million of which the city says still needs to be found. As such, a voter-approved bond measure paid by parcel taxes would likely be necessary.
Interchange project put to bed
2009
60/91/215 interchange
After nearly 5 years of construction -- and 20-year wait for local commuters -- Caltrans says it has finally closed the books on the 60/91/215 interchange/freeway project in downtown Riverside. The final tally for the rebuild comes in at $437 million, approximately 40 percent over initial estimates and almost two years past expected completion.
The massive project, which rebuilt the 1950s-era cloverleaf interchange and nearly 8 miles of Interstate 215 -- including new off-ramps and bridges -- eastward from downtown to Moreno Valley, used a new construction method called "design sequencing." Officials now say the method, originally intended to save both time and money, may have proved too daunting for such a complex project.
Regardless, commuters now have a much smoother ride through downtown Riverside as well as near UC Riverside. However, some additional ancillary work remains, namely the rebuilding of the 60/215 split at the eastern end of the project. Originally included as part of the main project, work on the 60/215 split is scheduled to begin next year with completion expected in 2012.
Transit center likely to remain in place
2009
Downtown Transit Center
After several years of attempting to relocate the downtown bus transit center to the nearby Metrolink commuter train station, both the city and Riverside Transit Agency have opted to keep the center on Fairmount Street just off Market Street. Officials say finding suitable land near the Vine Street train station proved difficult.
RTA says it will instead concentrate on building a new and possibly expanded terminal at its current location. However, not included is a long-term spot for Greyhound, which the city is in the process of finding another location for apart from the regional bus system.
Library/museum project update
2008
Central Library
A few weeks back, Riverside City Manager Brad Hudson updated the city council on the much delayed renovation and expansion plans for downtown's Central Library and Metropolitan Museum.
Hudson unveiled two new proposals: a "basic approach" and an "expanded approach." The new proposals incorporate a third civic building, the nearby Municipal Auditorium, which had been slated for its own upgrades and renovation.
The "basic" plan, which is pegged at $45 million, would renovate all three buildings as well as provide essential upgrades and seismic retrofitting for the
museum and auditorium. The $75 million "expanded" plan would include renovation/upgrades of all three plus expansions of both the library and museum. A variation of this plan also includes the possibility of demolishing the current library building (an idea we're not very fond of) for a new and larger one. The latter, more expensive proposal would likely require the passing of a property tax bond to help pay for the expansion plans.
The council is scheduled to take up the new proposals during its Feb. 24th meeting.
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
Be sure to check out the remaining days Saturation Fest 08, which began earlier this week in downtown Riverside.
Saturation Art & Music Festival
The eight-year-old event, which runs through Sunday evening (Oct. 19) at several sites in downtown, brings together the local arts and music community for 6 days of arts and, well, music. Hundreds of artists and over 50 bands -- from rock, punk, electronic and hip hop to indie, acoustic, folk and jazz. -- will be on hand.
For the all-nighters, there's tonight's "Grindhouse" from midnight - 5 a.m. at Back to the Grind with a special performance by Riverside's very own The BellRays. Both Saturday and Sunday are chock full of events -- from the eclectic "Taco Sombrero Ride" by local cycling enthusiasts (including our friend Tanya and her husband Brian) and indie films to hands-on DIY arts workshops and day-long (and late-night) live music. Sunday evening includes a special Q&A with Ian MacKaye -- of Minor Threat and Fugazi fame -- at the Riverside Art Museum.
While strolling the festival (or while downtown between now and Oct. 25), be sure to check out "Under a Blood Red Sky," a collection of U2 photographs on display at Division 9 Gallery - South. The images, which have appeared in Rolling Stone magazine and several other publications, were shot by photographer (and local resident) Greg Wigler in 1983 during U2's widely-known concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater outside Denver.
So get out and -- Get Downtown!
Related
Flash: Out & About slideshow
2008
Incorporating the old RIR logo
2008
March Field Air Museum
2008
An original WWI-era plane
traced back to March Field
This past weekend saw us check the status on a few ongoing projects in downtown Riverside, including Regency Tower and Main Street Pedestrian Mall as both projects continue moving along. We also managed to take a nice snapshot overlooking downtown as well as take in two local museums.
First up was a visit to the Riverside International Automotive Museum in Riverside. Located in a business park near Hunter Park, the museum pays homage to the former Riverside International Raceway, which hosted major races on the eastern edge of town from 1957 - 1988. On display are posters, videos and various RIR memorabilia -- including a refrigerator from the driver's lounge. The museum also houses 3 Indy Eagle cars from the track's most prolific racer, Dan Gurney.
But more than just honoring RIR, the museum has a small collection of memorabilia from the former Ontario Motor Speedway (which held races from 1970 to 1980 on land where the new arena now stands). Likewise, several sports cars are on display, ranging from Ferrari and Maserati to Indy cars. It's also a working museum with race car restoration projects in the works.
Photos: Riverside International Raceway
Related
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Next was a stop at March Field Air Museum adjacent to I-215 in southeastern Riverside. Located on the western edge of March Air Reserve Base, the museum is comprised of a few hangar-like structures and several outdoor aircraft displays.
An interior exhibit area offers historical displays on March Field -- which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2008 -- as well as the nation's major wars. Several other displays include the Tuskegee Airmen, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, SAC Commander Gen. Curtis LeMay and the International Combat Camera Association. The museum also includes a short film on the history of March Field -- the oldest Air Force base on the west coast -- and it's involvement within the nation's modern military.
Outside on the museum's flightline are over 50 aircraft, including an SR-71 Blackbird, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress, B-52D Stratofortress, F-4 Phantom, F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle and KC-135 Stratotanker. Also on display are 4 Soviet MiG planes and a small hanger dedicated to the P-38.
The museum is also a working museum, with several hangers set up for ongoing restoration projects. Future plans at the museum include expansion for more interior exhibit space and a re-working of the exterior flightline.
When visiting March Field Air Museum, be sure to make time for a few solemn moments across the freeway at Riverside National Cemetery, which was the former site of Camp Haan during World War II.
Related
Last Tuesday, the Riverside City Council approved in concept the recommendations for the future expansions of downtown's Main Library and Riverside Metropolitan Museum as outlined by a community task force.
The recommendations, which have also been endorsed by the governing boards of both institutions, call for the library to double in size to 120,000 square feet and the museum expansion to total 70,000 square feet. The task force also recommended the final proposal should provide adequate parking facilities and retain the Chinese Pavilion in its current spot.
The approvals come after several months of public hearings that began following a public meeting held in January on the original joint-use expansion proposal. Public opposition to the plan led to the formation of a 22-member task force that was given the job of revising the original proposal.
Next up will be two workshops -- an October meeting to formalize actual space needs and a second set for November to discuss design and funding aspects.
Related
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside City Council OKs museum/library task force advice (Aug. 13)
Previous
- RaincrossSquare.com - Committee finalizes expansion guidelines (June 2008)
- RaincrossSquare.com - Task force favors separate library, museum expansions (June 2008)
- RaincrossSquare.com - Library-museum task force convenes (April 2008)
- RaincrossSquare.com - Library should remain downtown (July 2007)
2006
Central Library
2004
Riverside Metropolitan Museum
After several months of public meetings, the 22-member Library/Museum task force held its final session this past week, producing what it calls "guiding principles" for the planned expansions of downtown's Central Library and Riverside Metropolitan Museum. The key recommendation calls for separate expansions of both facilities, with enough space for each to meet their needs.
As part of the recommendation, the panel urged the city to expedite funding and approval of the expansions and also emphasized its desire to see the Chinese Memorial Pavilion remain in its current spot, which we're glad to see.
The city's Board of Library Trustees has already endorsed the guidelines with the museum board set to vote on the matter July 8. The guidelines will then go before the City Council for review on August 12.
Recently, two opposing viewpoints concerning the existing library building appeared in The Press-Enterprise (one | two). Though both articles make good points, it should be no surprise that we agree with Steve Lech in that demolishing the current building would be akin to demolishing the original Carnegie back in 1965. It shouldn't have been done then -- and it shouldn't be done now.
Related
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside Library/Museum Task Force finalizes guidelines (June 26)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Trustees endorse task force's 'guiding principles' for library, museum expansions (June 24)
Previous
- RaincrossSquare.com - Task force favors separate library, museum expansions (June 2008)
- RaincrossSquare.com - Library-museum task force convenes (April 2008)
- RaincrossSquare.com - Library should remain downtown (July 2007)
A City Council-appointed task force assigned with revising Riverside's library-museum expansion plans issued its draft recommendation this week calling for separate expansions for both institutions. The recommendation, which would reverse the city's earlier combined expansion proposal, comes after several recent public meetings on the issue.
2006
Central Library
2006
Riverside Metropolitan Museum
2007
Museum exhibit
Most critics of the original $25 million proposal -- part of the city's Riverside Renaissance Initiative -- feared joint expansion would shortchange both entities. That plan called for an approximately 35,000 sq. ft. expansion: 9,500 sq. ft. children's section, 10,500 sq. ft. community/office space (with 250-seat auditorium) and up to 15,000 sq. ft. exhibition/flex space. Drawn up by Pfeiffer Partners Architects, Inc., the plan expanded outward in front of the current library, including displacement of the Chinese Memorial Pavilion.
Since then, several community members, residents and various civic groups have voiced opinions on the matter. The "Committee to Renew the Library" and "The Raincross Group" have both considered plans of their own, the latter recommending a 60,000 sq. ft. library expansion (basement plus two stories) in front of the current library (sparing the Chinese Pavilion); and, a 30,000 sq. ft. museum expansion (3 stories) behind the current museum. Estimates for both expansions are $38 million -- approximately $13 million more than the original joint-expansion project.
The task force's draft recommendation of separate expansions now moves ahead for a public hearing scheduled for June 18, after which a final task force meeting on June 25 will address any changes before forwarding the panel's final recommendation to the City Council (scheduled for August 12).
Whatever the final outcome, we agree both institutions should remain downtown at their current locations. Likewise, we'd prefer to see neither building's architecture severely compromised with any future expansions. Though many may say the current architecture of the library does not fit its immediate surroundings, we believe it has its own architectural merits (one, two, three) on which to stand, and thus, should not be significantly altered.
Related
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Local View: Vital Expansions (June 9)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside panel recommends separate museum, library expansion plans (June 7)
- Committee to Renew the Library
- Riverside Public Library
- Riverside Renaissance Initiative
Previous
- RaincrossSquare.com - Library-museum task force convenes (April 2008)
- RaincrossSquare.com - Library should remain downtown (July 2007)
Update
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside Library/Museum Task Force finalizes guidelines (June 26, 2008)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Local View: Admire style (June 28, 2008)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Local View: Downtown library: A boxy monstrosity (June 20, 2008)
Shared-space proposal
Pfeiffer Partners
1966
Central Library
1967 RNB calendar
2006
Central Library
1915
U.S. Post Office
2004
Riverside Metropolitan Museum
This past week saw the first meeting of the city's newly-formed "blue ribbon" task force for the combined downtown library-museum expansion project, which stalled in recent months following public comments questioning the viability of joint-use expansion.
Members of the committee, comprised of seasoned Riverside civic leaders, have been given the task of formulating a plan, namely whether the project should encompass a shared-space expansion as originally proposed or separate expansions. Although there are benefits of a combined expansion -- shared overall costs, efficient use of flexible space and even natural synergies -- the plan, as first proposed, fails to provide enough independent space for each entity.
As it stands now, the city's main branch library -- aka, the "Central Library" -- is housed within a 61,000 sq. ft. building that opened in 1964/65. According to a study by a citizen's group, Riverside's current main library ranks 19th in space per capita (.21) when compared against 24 other Southern California cities with populations between 100,000 and 500,000. The study concluded the city's main library would need to double in size just to reach the per capita median (.42) -- a figure the combined library-museum expansion of 30,000 sq. ft. would clearly fail to meet.
Across from the main library sits the Riverside Metropolitan Museum. Located within a building originally constructed in 1912 by the U.S. Postal Service, the museum initially occupied the basement beginning in 1948 (with the city's police department taking up the remainder). Full occupancy by the museum came in 1965 upon completion of a new police headquarters nearby. Museum officials say the current building lacks the space and amenities needed for hosting major exhibits. They also cite the need for more storage space. Thus, the reasons for expansion.
Finally, regardless of the final outcome -- whether joint or independent expansion -- our hope is that neither building's exterior gets extensively altered, particularly the library's striking mid-century modern architecture. Though ridiculed for most of its 44-year existence, the building's exterior is in fact an excellent example of the New Formalism style of architecture (a style beginning to receive its due props elsewhere). Of course, we've gone on record before stating our admiration for the building's style. And it appears others are beginning to appreciate it as well (one, two, three).
Upcoming meetings for the blue ribbon committee are scheduled for City Hall on April 23, May 19, and June 6 and 7.
Update
- PDF - Shared-space expansion outline (Jan. 2008 - Pfeiffer Partners)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside library/museum task force debates options (April 24)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Raincross Group opinion - Vital Expansions (June 9)
Related
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside task force asked to list library, museum wants, needs (April 2008)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Crowd at Riverside library and museum expansion meeting mostly favors separate projects (Jan 2008)
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside library to get more elbow room (April 2007)
- City of Riverside - Riverside Metropolitan Museum
- City of Riverside - Riverside Public Library
- Committee to Renew the Library
- Pfeiffer Partners Architects
Previous
- RaincrossSquare.com - Library should remain downtown (July 2007)
Have you ever walked through an art museum and said to yourself, "Wow, I wish I could purchase that right off the wall." Well, this week you can during the annual "Off The Wall" fundraiser at the Riverside Art Museum.
Designed as both an exhibit and a fundraiser, the event showcases over 1,200 pieces from local artists in various mediums, ranging from the eclectic to the traditional. See something you like? Simply take it off the wall for purchase. Best of all, the pricing is simple -- and very affordable: $100, $200 or $300. New pieces go up as sales are made, thus new items are added each day. The event runs through Saturday, November 10.
While you're perusing the art, imagine stepping back in time when the Julia Morgan-designed facility served as the downtown home for the YWCA. Built in 1929, the building once sported an indoor pool (a.k.a., "the plunge") as well as a gymnasium, both of which were converted into separate gallery spaces shortly after the building was acquired for the museum in 1967.
Finally, before heading out, you'll want to browse the museum's gift store for crafts and other items of local interest.
The museum is located at 3245 Mission Inn Avenue in downtown Riverside and is open Mon - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (until 9 p.m. during "Riverside Arts Walk" on the first Thursday of each month).
Related
- Riverside Art Museum
- Riverside Press-Enterprise - 'Off the Wall' at the Riverside Art Museum
- InlandArts.com
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