February 2008 Archives

Trips to local malls this weekend brought evidence of renovation and change at two of the region's largest shopping centers.

First up, a quick stop at the Galleria at Tyler in Riverside saw the removal of the center's 1991 sign, itself a replacement for the orignial 1970 sign*.

Flash: Out & About slideshow

With the recent additions to the mall of an AMC theater complex and several restaurants, including Yard House and The Cheesecake Factory, new freeway signage is not completely unexpected. In fact, we spotted new signage recently at the newly expanded parking garage that hinted a new logo -- and new colors -- might be forthcoming.

Elsewhere, a trip to Montclair Plaza gave us a chance to see that mall's interior renovation currently underway. Meant to soften up the center's somewhat industrial look (as a result of a 1986 expansion), the design includes ceiling enhancements, accent lighting, glass railings and new furniture. The work is being done after hours and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Also planned as part of Montclair's renovation is the demolition of the 1968 building that once housed The Broadway and later Macy's. The building sports classic 1960s modern design, a form that seems to be quickly disappearing from the local landscape. In fact, many of the iconic buildings that once housed The Broadway have met similar fates across Southern California over the last few years.

Finally, could the Montclair renovation provide a glimpse into possible future renovation at Montclair's sister mall in Riverside? Though we're not aware of any planned renovation of the interior for the Galleria at Tyler, both malls underwent similar expansions within five years of one another about 20 years ago. Likewise, both centers are owned by Chicago-based General Growth Properties.

Photo galleries: Montclair Plaza | Galleria at Tyler

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Then & Now - Galleria at Tyler (Aug. 2007)

* Photo courtesy of RPD Remembers

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

Previous

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

Sources: The Press-Enterprise