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Latest plans for downtown library: renovation, not demolition

After several recent attempts, Riverside officials have now scrapped expensive plans to construct a new downtown library in favor of a more modest renovation of the existing building. We realize this new directive from the city council may not serve all interests and parties involved, and we do agree a modest renovation/refurbishment is warranted. However,…

The presidential streets of Riverside

Beginning near Arlington Avenue in Riverside and stretching eight miles southwest along Magnolia Avenue into the Home Gardens community near Corona, 17 streets placed at half-mile intervals honor the nation’s first presidents. Laid out in 1876 by the Riverside Land & Irrigation Company, the streets — with one notable exception and two later changes —…

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Out & About – Historic walking tours of downtown Riverside

From the eclectic Mission Inn and magnificent County Courthouse to the modern City Hall and mid-century public library, downtown Riverside is rich in architectural history and variety. Fortunately, many of these gems are within walking distance down a few adjoining streets. As such, we’ve created a few short circular, self-guided tours — Mission Inn Avenue,…

Nov. 2011 - 1930s-era facade for the former Westbrook's at 3750 Main Street (RXSQ)

Inside the long-shuttered doors of 3750 Main Street

What does one find upon entering a building that’s been out of public use for much of the past 40 years? A few weeks back, we were lucky enough to find out as we ventured along with fellow Old Riverside Foundation members into the long-shuttered Franzen’s/Westbrook’s/Imperial hardware building located on the pedestrian mall at 3750…

Steam trains once again rolling at Hunter Hobby Park

2011Hunter Hobby Park 2011New station 2011Arriving passengers 2011Riding the rails 2011New playground Saturday morning marked the public reopening of Riverside’s Hunter Hobby Park following nearly $7 million in renovations for one of the city’s most unique parks. The reopening also means the public is once again invited to “ride the rails” with the Riverside Live…

Bookshelf: ‘More Than A Place To Pitch A Tent’

Hurkey Creek, Crestmore Manor, Lake Skinner, Idyllwild Park, Box Springs Mountain and Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve — six of the 20 varied parks, museums, recreational and nature centers of Riverside County covered in a new book by local historian Steve Lech. The 150-page, hardcover book — “More Than A Place To Pitch A Tent”…