Almost exactly forty years after a fire that destroyed the iconic Arlington / Tetley / Riverside hotel, the northwest corner of University and Lime is again occupied following the dedication of Riverside’s new Downtown Fire Station. Built at a cost of $12 million as part of the Riverside Renaissance capital improvement program, the station’s opening…
This year (2013) marks the 125th year for Olivewood Memorial Park cemetery in Riverside. The cemetery is hosting a day of historic walking tours on Sunday, October 20th (2013), which we’re glad to be assisting them with organizing and presenting. For now, enjoy this circa 1925 image looking west along the roadway dividing sections G…
Saturday May 18th, 2013, marks the date for Old Riverside Foundation’s 22nd annual Vintage Home Tour and Restoration Fair. This year’s tour will showcase five historic homes located in three neighborhoods — the Wood Streets, Palm Heights, and downtown’s North Hill area (near Fairmount Park). The five homes on the tour are: Stephen Magee house…
The historic Serra Cross atop Mount Rubidoux in Riverside is set to remain in perpetuity following the winning bid by a local non-profit alliance. Totally Mt. Rubidoux (TMR) — an alliance comprising Friends of Mt. Rubidoux, Mission Inn Foundation and Riverside Land Conservancy — won the April 11th public auction held in front of Riverside…
For nearly 85 years, national retail giant Sears has operated a “brick & mortar” store at three different locations in Riverside, with almost 50 of those years spent at its current Arlington Avenue location. However, the first two Sears stores were both located downtown, with the original store opening in February 1929 on the northwest…
As most residents of Riverside (and the region) are aware, a controversy developed late last year over the Serra Cross atop Mount Rubidoux. Last August, Americans United for Separation of Church and State sent a letter questioning the constitutionality of the cross on account it was a religious symbol on public land. (Mount Rubidoux was…
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…
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…
Celebrating Riverside’s citrus heritage is the theme of Old Riverside Foundation’s 21st annual Vintage Home Tour, which takes place this Saturday, May 19. The self-guided tour showcases four privately owned homes near Victoria Avenue in the city’s historic orange greenbelt as well as a downtown church with strong citrus ties. The four homes are the…
