Recently, we came across newspaper images of the original sign for the Riverside Auto Center – images that had thus far eluded us. The sign was nondescript and simply comprised the words “AUTO CENTER.” It was simple but tall, serving its purpose for the first two-plus decades before increasing competition and electronic/digital messaging became more…
Proposed in 1961 for a triangular-shaped site on the north side of Eighth Street (now University Avenue) at its junction with Highway 395/60 (now I-215/Hwy 60), the Kon Tiki Restaurant and Motor Inn apparently never got beyond the drawing board. The reported $1 million project was to include four, two-story wings containing 96 rooms, two…
Public notice was given recently regarding the closure and planned demolition and replacement of the 1965-era, downtown headquarters for the Riverside Police Department. Located at 4102 Orange Street, the 33,000 square-foot, two-story (plus basement) building was designed by Riverside-based architectural firm of Ruhnau, Evans, Brown & Steinmann. It contained a pistol firing range and other…
After 33 years under the stewardship of co-owners Duane and Kelly Roberts, the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in downtown Riverside has been sold. The sale ends months of speculation regarding a potential sale that surfaced shortly after the passing of Duane in early November of 2025. Financial terms of the transaction to the…
This year, 2025, marks the 33rd year for the annual Festival of Lights surrounding the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. It also marks the first Festival following the death of Mission Inn owner, Duane R Roberts, who passed away on November 1. The Festival, which began as a modest hotel-only event in 1993 with only…
When gazing upon the skyline of downtown Riverside from atop Mount Rubidoux, two office buildings tend to stand out: Riverside County Administrative Center (the “glass box” and city’s tallest building) and Riverside City Hall (seven-story, chocolate brown building with low-slung arches). Both buildings were designed by the Riverside-based architectural firm founded by Herman Otto Ruhnau….
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held June 27th for the long-awaited and oft-delayed expansion for the Museum of Riverside, which has been shuttered for nearly eight years. Between 150-200 members from the community joined city leaders to mark the event in front of the museum’s historic 1912 building. Speakers included Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Ward 1…
Where is George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.? The final resting place for the inventor of one of the world’s best-known amusement rides — the Ferris Wheel — remains a mystery nearly 130 years following his 1896 death. One of the more intriguing histories at Riverside’s Olivewood Memorial Park is the extended Ferris family of Ferris…
