Category: Out & About

A series of mostly random photos taken while out and about on a particular day or weekend

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Scattered around downtown Riverside one will find a few remaining commercial "add-on" oddities from the post-war years. Here are two of the more obvious ones we've noticed.

2010
Tenth Street

First up is this house located on Tenth Street. We're not sure of the original home's date, but city permits show an addition valued at approximately $5,000 was built around 1947. Though the permits do not indicate what it was used for, they do indicate the expansion was permitted as a "business" addition.

It's readily apparent the 1947 addition did not make any real attempt to complement the Cape-Cod style motif of the original structure, but a recent makeover does help it blend in better.

__________

2010
Main Street

Next up is this house located at the south end of Main Street. City permits show minor alterations taking place on portions of the house in 1947 for use as a "cafe." Later, in 1955/56, a permit was issued for a front addition valued at approximately $11,000. The permit indicates "store" as the intended use for the expansion (though we presume it could have easily been an expansion for the cafe as well).

Although the addition's roof line offers subtle reference to the home's traditional architecture, the flagstone and basic cinder block construction adds a bit of mid-century flair (unintended as it may have been at the time).

__________

Today, design codes are simply too strict to allow such non-conforming additions. And as much as they tend to ruin the architectural motif of the original structure, there's no doubt seeing these "grand-fathered" oddities does add a bit of interest and character to what might otherwise be a monotonous streetscape. It's also one aspect that make parts of Southern California's older established cities -- such as Riverside, Redlands, Fullerton and Pasadena -- a bit more unique than newer master-planned cities and neighborhoods.

San Bernardino peak, one of the highest points in Southern California, as seen from an orange grove in east Highland
Slideshow: Out & About

Sunday was a postcard perfect day in Inland Southern California as a week-long sky full of heavy rain and dark clouds gave way to bright sunshine and snow-capped mountains.

The picturesque views evoked colorful scenes from the days when the navel orange industry -- and imagery made popular by Sunkist marketing -- dominated the region's landscape.

Slideshow: Out & About

Redlands

Riverside

Festive decorations at every corner during downtown Riverside's yearly 'Festival of Lights'
Slideshow: Out & About

On Saturday evening, we spent a couple hours browsing and shopping during the annual 'Festival of Lights' in downtown Riverside, snapping a few photos -- and finding a few nice surprises along the way.

First, it was great to once again see the storefront windows -- decorated and lit up for the holidays -- for the long-shuttered Westbrook's / Imperial Hardware building. We're hoping the windows remain on display following the holidays (possibly for historical/museum displays ... ?).

Second, the newly opened 3rd floor for Mission Galleria offered sweeping views of the pedestrian mall below.

And finally, it was nice to see fresh art sculptures (one | two) along the pedestrian mall near UCR/California Museum of Photography.

We found the newly refurbished pedestrian mall to work quite well with the large crowds, particularly alongside the Mission Inn. The new layout allowed for a larger ice rink and a larger events stage.

The Festival of Lights includes an ice rink, carriage rides, carolers, shopping, food, entertainment -- and Santa Claus. Oh, and of course, the centerpiece is the historic Mission Inn decorated with over 3.5 million lights and hundreds of animated displays.

The event runs daily (excepting Christmas) through January 3.

Slideshow: Out & About

Related

• Festival of Lights


• Mission Inn

Crews work on the new crossing at Mission Inn Avenue as part of the pedestrian mall makeover in downtown Riverside
Slideshow: Out & About

This week found us taking a stroll along downtown's Main Street pedestrian mall during a workday lunch, where we encountered others also taking in the fall-like weather.

Further up, we noticed both the main entrance and several windows on the former Westbrook's / Imperial Hardware store are now on display for the first time in several years. They had been boarded up for at least the past decade, if not longer.

The sidewalk around the building's foundation has been chipped away in preparation for the pedestrian mall's new surface. It appears a new header has also been put into place. Does this mean the building -- which dates back to 1900, but has sat empty since the 1970s -- is finally about to see a new tenant?

Although Imperial's former false front is no match against Westbrook's 1935 art deco facade, we admit to somewhat missing its mid-century starkness (here's a view from 1967), which covered the building's front from about 1964 until 2007. Regardless, we hope the improvements signal life is once again stirring within the building.

Moving on ... the second phase -- between University and Sixth -- of the makeover for 1966-era pedestrian mall* is nearing completion. This week, crews were busy working on the new mall crossing at Mission Inn Avenue. (The first phase, completed earlier this year, took in the mall's southern blocks between University and Tenth.)

Nearby, a crossing for a soon-to-be water feature is now in place while new pavers, ground plantings and lighting are also being completed. We have mixed feelings on the new lighting. By no means terrible, but also not very unique. Certainly not as unique at the original raincross lights. (We're told they're being salvaged by the city -- for what, we do not know. Let's hope they get shipped off to the city museum as opposed to the landfill.)

The pedestrian mall is expected to be completed in time for this year's "Festival of Lights" on which the months-long work has already started.

Slideshow: Out & About

* Courtesy of Ruhnau, Ruhnau & Clarke

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

• SaturationFest.com


• Back to The Grind


• Division 9 Gallery


• Riverside Art Museum


• The Bicycle Lounge


• IE Weekly


• Hip Pocket Design

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

• Riverside International Automotive Musem

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

• March Field Air Museum


• Riverside National Cemetery

2008
View looking east toward downtown Riverside from atop Mount Rubidoux just prior to sunset. In the immediate background is Box Springs Mountain with the San Bernardino Mountains looming in the distance.

Situated approximately 1 mile west of downtown Riverside is Mount Rubidoux, a small but impressive hill overlooking the city. Rising 1,364 feet above sea level, the rocky hill gets its name from Jurupa Rancho owner Louis Robidoux (note the different spelling) who settled in the area during the mid-1800s.

2008
Mount Rubidoux

In 1906, Mount Rubidoux was acquired by Frank A. Miller of the Mission Inn. A year later, Miller and railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington partnered up to build two, single-lane roads allowing for motorized vehicles to traverse the summit.

Atop the summit sits the Serra Cross, placed in honor of Father Junipero Serra who is credited with founding the California Missions. The cross is the site of the nation's oldest continuing outdoor Easter Sunrise service, which began in 1909.

Also located on the mountain is the World Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge, erected in 1925 to honor Frank Miller. Miller, who co-founded the Institute of World Affairs (later to become the World Affairs Council), was a staunch advocate for world peace. As such, Miller's connections brought the likes of President Taft and social activist Booker T. Washington to Riverside, both of whom made the trek up Mount Rubidoux.

In 1955, the Miller family deeded the entire park to Riverside. The original wooden cross was replaced with a cement version in 1963.

Although severe rains during the 1990s washed out parts of both roads forcing their closure, the granite outcropping remains a favorite recreational activity for pedestrians, joggers and cyclists alike.

Related

• Friends of Mount Rubidoux

2008
World Peace Tower
& Friendship Bridge

@1940s
Downtown Riverside

2008
Colorful hues

2008
Serra Cross

2008
Vista point

2008
View southwest
over Riverside

The past two weekends saw us at opposite ends of Riverside. Last weekend, we had the chance to take in the reopened Arlington Branch Library. While there, we took a few photos of the nearby Arlington Village commercial area. This weekend, we spent some time downtown checking in on the refurbishing of the Main Street Pedestrian Mall.

Flash: Out & About slideshow


1907
Riverside & Arlington Railway
1962 Interurbans Magazine


1907
Riverside & Arlington Railway
1962 Interurbans Magazine

About 5 miles southwest of downtown Riverside sits Arlington Village. Located at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard, the village hails from what was originally known as the Town of Arlington. Founded in 1877 by prominent Riversiders S.C. Evans and William Sayward, Arlington was in many ways Riverside's first suburb, with streetcars* running between the two towns. As such, it was included within Riverside's boundaries upon official incorporation in 1883.

By the early 1900s, the area contained a library, fire station, newspaper office, two-story commercial building, local schools, churches and several businesses. The commercial area thrived well into the 1960s, partly on account of being the nearby home to Riverside County General Hospital, a place where it would remain for 100 years before a new county hospital opened in Moreno Valley in 1998.

About a mile south of Arlington Village is the land that sprouted much of Riverside's famous Washington Navel orange groves. Today, the area still includes large swaths of groves thanks in part to the Arlington Heights Greenbelt citrus preserve. It also includes the 377-acre California Citrus State Historic Park -- an actual working citrus grove, museum and park.

Fifty years after the Riverside Freeway and nearly 40 years after the nearby Galleria at Tyler reduced the importance of the area as a major commercial center, Arlington Village is staging a comeback. Recent street and sidewalk improvements and refurbished storefronts have given the neighborhood new life. Besides the newly-expanded library, a recent addition to the village is a large wall mural composed from photographs depicting Magnolia Avenue at Van Buren Boulevard during the 1940s.

With a bit of vision and planning -- and a small residential townhome/condo component -- the village could easily sprout into a nice, semi-urban landscape consisting of more restaurants and shops all within easy walking distance.

Elsewhere in Riverside, work is progressing on the makeover of the Main Street Pedestrian Mall in downtown. New low-lying retaining walls have sprung up on the mall between Ninth Street and University Avenue as has framework for a new fountain. The next phase will include the blocks between University Avenue and Sixth Street. The $10 million project began in March and is expected to be completed in spring 2009

Concurrent work also continues on the old Rouse Building -- the soon-to-be UCR/Culver Center of the Arts -- as well as the reopening of Ninth Street through the mall adjacent to City Hall. Nearby, foundation work is moving along at the Regency Tower site, located at Tenth and Orange streets.

Flash: Out & About slideshow

Related

• California Citrus State Historic Park

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Arlington Branch Library reopens (June 2008)


• RaincrossSquare.com - Pedestrian mall renovation begins (March 2008)


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


• RaincrossSquare.com - Then & Now - Main at Mission Inn (March 2007)

This weekend, Inland Southern California welcomed the latest addition to the area's growing retail scene as The Shoppes at Chino Hills held its grand opening.

2008
Grand Opening


2008
Main Street


2008
Directory

Located just west of Highway 71 at the corner of Grand Avenue and Peyton Drive, the 400,000 sq. ft. outdoor mall is the fourth major "lifestyle" center to open within the region since 2004. Thus far, approximately 40 of the expected 60 retailers are open, with the rest to follow shortly.

Developed by Phoenix-based Opus West, the $200 million center is anchored by Barnes & Noble, Trader Joe's, Victoria's Secret, Banana Republic, H&M and Chicos. Also included are several specialty chains such as New York & Co., J. Jill, JoS A. Bank, and White House | Black Market. Dining is represented with the likes of CPK, P.F. Chang's, Wood Ranch BBQ and a Yard House Bar & Grill.

As with many recent open-air centers, The Shoppes is designed to mimic a main street setting, though with an updated architectural look and feel. Many of the Altoon + Porter designed storefronts sport high-tech styling with subtle old-school details. Several park-like benches scattered about offer a place to rest or simply people watch.

In general, the place was relatively inviting, but does have a few drawbacks.

First, there are no major department stores. Although not completely unusual in today's newer, mall-like retail developments, residents looking for a Macy's or Nordstrom will still need to travel to either Montclair or Riverside.

Second, the center has only one car-free promenade (and three vehicular thru-ways, which can be closed as needed). Though no real surprise considering the car-dominated city that surrounds it, the result was a very busy and active courtyard at one end of the mall with lightly scattered pedestrian activity elsewhere.

With that said, the center also suffers from a shortage of parking (which likely explains the interior thru-ways and lack of more promenade space). Located on a rather smallish parcel, The Shoppes could use a parking garage (and will likely need one sooner rather than later). Complicating matters is the fact that Peyton Avenue is currently undergoing major construction.

Overall, we like the look and feel. Though nowhere near a real downtown setting, we appreciate the notion of adding a small urban-like core of sorts to what is essentially a suburban-oriented city. With the adjacent civic center currently under construction and a possible residential component on the horizon, The Shoppes will no doubt play a large role in fulfilling that notion.

Slideshow: The Shoppes at Chino Hills

Related

• Inland Valley Daily Bulletin - Shoppers line up for opening of area's newest mall


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - New Shoppes at Chino Hills center takes up challenge of tricky economy


• The Shoppes at Chino Hills

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Region's retail market still expanding (Jan. 2008)

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

Saturday, January 19, 2008 - A bit of artistic flair filled the streets alongside the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside on Saturday as several artists showcased their skills during the the third annual "Paint Out Week." The week-long event was hosted by the Plein Air Artists of Riverside in affiliation with the Riverside Art Museum.

Flash: Out & About slideshow

The final day included a contest in which artists had a limited timeframe to complete a street scene painting. Neither the artists nor scenic Mission Inn Avenue disappointed those lucky enough to witness the event. Several works from the event will be displayed at the Riverside Art Museum Jan. 26 through March 29, with a percentage of the proceeds from sales benefitting the Riverside Art Museum.

Elsewhere, downtown hummed with the weekly Saturday morning Farmers' Market on the pedestrian mall. Nearby, fencing surrounds the former Rouse Department Store as it begins its transformation into the UCR / Culver Center for the Arts. Likewise, it appears work is about to begin on the 10-story Regency Tower office building located at Tenth and Orange streets.

Related

• Riverside Art Museum


• UCR / Culver Center for the Arts

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.

Flash: RAM slideshow

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