On the heels of March’s initial information gathering meetings with the public and library/civic stakeholders, Riverside began conducting followup public meetings late last week on the proposed renovation of the downtown Central Library (a.k.a. Main Library). As such, the city has released four early conceptual drawings of the proposed exterior makeover, which the city is…
Definitely one of Riverside’s best mid-century buildings — and certainly its most under-appreciated — the downtown Central Library (a.k.a. Main Library) has spent most of its time suffering from harsh criticism. In the past few years, however, there has been growing support for the library’s mid-century designs. Most of this support has tended to come…
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,…
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,…
After about three years of planning, renovation and moving, Riverside’s Marcy Branch Library has reopened. The new location, near the intersection of Magnolia and Arlington avenues, is about 1 mile from its former spot on Central Avenue near the Riverside Plaza. The relocated Marcy Branch occupies the bottom floor of an 18,000 sq. ft., two-story…
A recent trip to Palm Springs reminded us of that city’s sizable collection of mid-century modern architecture, including the former Coachella Valley Savings & Loan building pictured above. Designed by E. Stewart Williams, the building is an excellent example of modern bank design from the 1960s. We’ll explore some of these desert gems at a…
Familiar name eyeing Gottschalks 2009Riverside Plaza In January, Fresno-based Gottschalks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, raising questions on what might come of the chain’s 58 department stores spread over six states. Seven of those stores are located at malls within Inland Southern California, including Riverside Plaza. Less than two weeks before a March 30…
Interchange project put to bed 200960/91/215 interchange After nearly 5 years of construction — and 20-year wait for local commuters — Caltrans says it has finally closed the books on the 60/91/215 interchange/freeway project in downtown Riverside. The final tally for the rebuild comes in at $437 million, approximately 40 percent over initial estimates and…
Neighborhood community center opens 2008Orange Terrace Community Center Riverside unveiled the latest project from the city’s “Riverside Renaissance” initiative as the Orange Terrace Community Center opened to the public early Saturday. Located on the grounds of the Orange Terrace Community Park, the $11 million facility includes a gymnasium, banquet hall and multipurpose room. Also included…
Last Tuesday, the Riverside City Council approved in concept the recommendations for the future expansions of downtown’s Main Library and Riverside Metropolitan Museum as outlined by a community task force. The recommendations, which have also been endorsed by the governing boards of both institutions, call for the library to double in size to 120,000 square…
