RaincrossSquare.com v1.0: Archives from November 2003 to June 2014.
This year marks a milestone as the annual Festival of Lights marks its 20th season. What began in 1993 as a modest, hotel-only event has grown into one of the premier holiday lights displays in the country. Each year, thousands of visitors gather in and around the Mission Inn and along the pedestrian mall in…
Late last year, we stumbled upon a crew filming on the pedestrian mall between the Mission Inn and the Loring Building in downtown Riverside. Intrigued by what appeared to be a doctor standing next to a tall mirror, we stopped for a few minutes to watch. Upon the call for “action,” a middle-aged couple approached…
Ever wanted to peek inside Riverside’s historic Fox Theater? The recently renovated Municipal Auditorium? The red sandstone Universalist Church? Or maybe the former Rouse Department Store (now UCR/Culver Center of the Arts)? This Saturday (10/13), you will get your chance during a day-long event — “Discover Riverside” — presented by the AIAIC (American Institute of…
After nearly two years of renovation and seismic upgrades, downtown Riverside’s historic Municipal Auditorium was rededicated by city officials during an open house held earlier this month. Included in the $10 million makeover of the 1928-29 structure is better seating, lighting, acoustics and fully-renovated lower level and backstage areas. A large open area in front…
Featured here is a 1961 postcard for Riverside. Pictured is the Carillon Tower at the Mission Inn, the Peace Tower on Mount Rubidoux overlooking downtown and the Buena Vista Bridge crossing Seventh Street (now Mission Inn Avenue). The back of the card, which was produced by Western Publishing & Novelty Company of Los Angeles, reads:…
Designed by Franklin P. Burnham of the Los Angeles architectural firm of Burnham and Bliesner, the cost of constructing the Beaux Arts styled courthouse was $160,000. Construction began on May 7, 1903 and was completed June 23, 1904. In 1995, the courthouse underwent a 3-year, $25 million renovation and seismic upgrade. The building’s ornate facade…
Established by the University of California in 1907 at the base of Mount Rubidoux as the Citrus Experiment Station, the present day campus for UC Riverside began with the building of a new Citrus Station in 1917 about 5 miles to the east (at the base of Box Springs Mountain). In 1948, planning began to…
Drivers using the 91 Freeway in Riverside of late have noticed construction barriers, closed bridges and the removal of large swaths of landscaping along six miles of the freeway from Adams Street into downtown Riverside. The changes are part of a $232 million HOV lane project that began this past Spring. Expected to be completed…
In late June, we attended the “preview opening” for Riverside Community College District’s “Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties” museum, which is located inside the newly-restored Riverside Finance Company / Citrus Belt Savings & Loan building. Built in 1926, the building’s Spanish Baroque (Churrigueresque) facade has been painstakingly restored following an 18-month, $6 million…
Update – July 19: We’ve added an artist depiction of the new Riverside location Get ready to ring the bells and sound the sirens for “The Zoo” and the “Pig’s Trough” as the much beloved Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour is returning to Riverside! The recently relaunched chain announced plans a few days ago that it…
