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…
Want to own a piece of Riverside history? Here’s your chance! In cooperation with Habitat for Humanity Riverside, the Old Riverside Foundation is selling recently donated items salvaged from the historic Riverside Fox Theater. The items — doors, windows and power switches — were saved during the theater’s 3-year, $32 million renovation that was completed…
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 —…
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,…
Pictured is a B&W photo form 1926 of the then newly-built Potter Hotel located on the southeast corner of Market Street at Ninth Street in downtown Riverside. The photo comes to us courtesy of Peter Weber, son of Peter J. Weber who was the chief designer for the Riverside architectural firm of G. Stanley Wilson….
