Flash: RAM slideshow

Designed as both an exhibit and a fundraiser, the event showcases over 1,200 pieces from local artists in various mediums, ranging from the eclectic to the traditional. See something you like? Simply take it off the wall for purchase. Best of all, the pricing is simple -- and very affordable: $100, $200 or $300. New pieces go up as sales are made, thus new items are added each day. The event runs through Saturday, November 10.

While you're perusing the art, imagine stepping back in time when the Julia Morgan-designed facility served as the downtown home for the YWCA. Built in 1929, the building once sported an indoor pool (a.k.a., "the plunge") as well as a gymnasium, both of which were converted into separate gallery spaces shortly after the building was acquired for the museum in 1967.

Finally, before heading out, you'll want to browse the museum's gift store for crafts and other items of local interest.

The museum is located at 3245 Mission Inn Avenue in downtown Riverside and is open Mon - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (until 9 p.m. during "Riverside Arts Walk" on the first Thursday of each month).

Related

• Riverside Art Museum
• Riverside Press-Enterprise - 'Off the Wall' at the Riverside Art Museum
• InlandArts.com

Flash: Out & About slideshow

The 9th Annual "Multicultural Family Village Festival" took place in front of the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, located on Mission Inn Avenue at Orange Street. Sponsored by the city-run museum, the modest festival included music, dance, arts & crafts and food from a number of local community groups.

The event gave us an excuse to revisit a special exhibit inside the Metropolitan Museum itself. The exhibit is the first of a two-part exhibit, "The Mission Inn: Celebrating 30 Years as a National Historic Landmark," which is being shared with the nearby Mission Inn Museum.

Part one -- "Creating a Legacy (1875 - 1955)" -- showcases personal artifacts from the Miller family during the Inn's early days, including paintings, photographs and a few pieces of furniture. Also on display is the original sketch (and U.S. Patent) for the Raincross symbol. The exhibit ends its 3-month run on October 14.

Part two -- "Saving the Community's Heritage (1955 - present)" -- documents the Inn during rough times following the end of the Miller family stewardship, the subsequent ownership changes and selling off of some of the Inn's treasures, the eventual multi-million dollar refurbishment and recent revival. This second exhibit opened last month at the Mission Inn Museum and runs through January 5, 2008.

Admission to both museums is free (though a nominal donation of $2 is gladly accepted).

Related

• Riverside Metropolitan Museum
• Mission Inn Museum 

Paul Moyer and Colleen Williams
KNBC-TV

LA/Ontario Int'l Airport
KNBC-TV

Live from the Mission Inn
KNBC-TV

The week kicked off with Monday's live remote from the California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside, and included a look at the area's citrus history as well as the region's recent explosive growth.

Tuesday was spent in San Bernardino, visiting an outreach center of the city's "Operation Phoenix" program as well as spotlighting efforts at the city's fledging San Bernardino International Airport.

Wednesday saw the crew spend time in Temecula, reporting on the area's highly-regarded schools and exploring the city's old town and wine country districts.

Thursday was Ontario's day as the newscast setup shop at LA/Ontario International Airport, reporting on the region's rise as the distribution hub for Greater Los Angeles.

Friday closed out the road trip back in Riverside, this time with the historic Mission Inn serving as the backdrop for reports on the eclectic hotel's Festival of Lights, its "Famous Fliers' Wall" as well as a revered look at nearby Riverside National Cemetery.

Although our first reaction in hearing about the remote broadcasts was one of curiosity mixed with trepidation, we must acknowledge the station went above and beyond what was expected. The daily broadcast was not simply a case of moving the anchor desk outside the studio and reporting the news. Not at all. In fact, the news team tailored large portions of the hour-long newscasts with local informational pieces – something rarely seen on LA television, particularly with regards to Inland Southern California.

So, what does this mean? Probably nothing, as indeed next week will likely be business as usual. But, based upon the quality and type of reports we saw this past week, we hope KNBC is wising up to the need at better serving the entire metropolitan region. Although 10 million people do in fact live in LA County, the phenomenal growth within Greater Los Angeles over the past 20-30 years has pushed the outlying population within the adjacent 4 counties to 8 million (of which, 4 million reside within Inland Southern California alone). That's a rather large -- and growing -- chunk of the overall viewing audience.

However, we should clarify exactly what it is we're seeking. Indeed, it would be nice to have a nightly newscast tailored more for the residents of Inland Southern California. Yes, this would include the typical news, weather, sports and traffic. But beyond that, we're not asking for more Hollywood-influenced, "sensationalized" local news reporting. Instead, we're asking for more community-focused news -- insightful reporting on local politics, in-depth analysis of the Inland region's rising economic power and demographics or simply previewing an upcoming weekend festival or even a quick history lesson about the area. Indeed, that's what we're seeking.

Truth be told, the only chance of ever getting this will likely depend upon the Inland region securing its own major television station. But, for one week at least, that's what we got. Kudos, KNBC.

Related

• KNBC.com - On The Road: Inland Empire

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Filling the local TV void (Sept. 2007)
• RaincrossSquare.com - InstantRiverside.com (April 2007)
• Orange-Empire.com - Local TV?? (June 2005)

2007
UC Riverside

But this is not your typical college rankings. No, it's not the usual rankings based upon money, popularity or prestige alone, but one that includes tangible results, particularly in terms of social mobility and community service:

The Washington Monthly list ranks 242 national universities according to three primary categories:

• performance as an engine of social mobility
• fostering scientific and humanistic research
• promoting an ethic of service to country

As such, 8 of 10 schools in the UC system are ranked, including 3 in the top 5: UCLA (2), Berkeley (3) and UC San Diego (4).

While 2 others rank in the top 15: UC Davis (8) and UC Riverside (15).

UC Santa Barabara (36), UC Irvine (49) and UC Santa Cruz (76) round out the UC rankings.

Locally, other large schools ranked as follows: USC (24), Pepperdine (56), University of San Diego (97), Caltech (141), San Diego State (145) and University of La Verne (186).

Texas A&M ranked first. But many other well-known national colleges didn't fare so well: Texas Tech (217), DePaul (150), Wake Forest (122), Arizona State (113), Boston College (109), Rice (103), Auburn (86), Princeton (78), BYU (68), Purdue (46), Vanderbilt (39) and Duke (29).

Two highly-regarded Ivy League shcools -- Yale and Harvard -- were listed at 38th and 27th respectively.

Also of note were the rankings of a few local liberal arts schools: Claremont McKenna College (6), Pomona College (46) and Harvey Mudd College (65).

Related

• Washington Monthly - 2007 College Guide
• Washington Monthly - 2007 National University Rrankings
• Washington Monthly - 2007 Liberal Arts College Rrankings
• UC Riverside - Official Web site

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - News - UC Riverside given high marks (Aug. 2006)

U.S. Television DMA's
(Echostar Knowledge Base)

Fortunately, technology is beginning to lend a hand in changing the face of news coverage for Inland Southern California.

As with many newspapers across the nation, Riverside's Press-Enterprise has embraced the possibilities of serving locally-produced video via the Internet. Likewise, so too have its chief competitors, the San Bernardino Sun and Ontario-based Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Though indeed such is likely to play an important role in the future of newspaper Internet sites, the process is still relatively in the infant stages and could use both focus and consistency, particularly in terms of quality.

A few months back, InstantRiverside.com began covering what can best be termed as "hyper-local" news, mostly for Riverside, but also for the Inland region in general. Although not an actual television station, InstantRiverside.com has taken a revolutionary approach in using Internet-based technology to produce both quick-hit and in-depth, TV-style news reports for an area long ignored by the Los Angeles media giants. As such, IR can provide quick and nimble reporting at a fraction of the overhead. And, not only is it free, but it can be watched via the Internet by anyone, at anytime from anywhere.

Though a relatively new concept, IR has great potential. It also has a veteran TV news journalist in Craig Fiegener, who happens to have grown up in Riverside. Fiegener has spent nearly 20 years honing his skills in both radio and television, most recently at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles. Although we have great hopes for IR and fully expect it to survive and grow, where the concept will be 5 five years from now is anybody's guess. At the very least, it has opened the door -- and raised a few eyebrows -- with regards to local, television-style news coverage.

About 30 miles to the south of Riverside, a small UHF station has also been taking on the "big dogs" of both LA and San Diego:

Operating as a low-powered television station (LPTV), KZSW-TV began producing a weeknight local newscast approximately 2 years ago. But, up until recently, its reach has been relatively limited to a confined area of southwestern Riverside County. Yet, with the recent addition to Charter Communications cable systems in Riverside, Norco and Rancho Cucamonga, as well as local Verizon systems, KZSW's footprint has grown considerably (upwards of 120,000 households). However, the fact remains that it cannot be picked up over-the-air in a wide area, nor is it carried by satellite carriers, such as DirecTV.

Although these examples of trying to fill the local TV void and are worthy, crafty and even innovative, and are indeed providing a much needed service, the fact remains that Inland Southern California is unlikely to ever receive proper, locally-based television service without first becoming separated from the Los Angeles television DMA (Designated Market Area). However, due to the power and influence of the network-owned stations in Los Angeles -- whom are not likely to easily forfeit approximately 25% of their market -- the creation of an Inland DMA is likely to require something on the order of Congressional authority.

Yet, in light of huge population growth (and future projections), particularly out west in the days long since TV markets were first established, we think it's not only worth the effort, but long overdue.

Moreover, if countless stations and markets, particularly in areas on the east coast, can co-exist within close proximity -- including several neighboring, metropolitan DMA's such as Washington D.C. and Baltimore (38 miles), Boston and Providence (50 miles), Cincinnati and Dayton (52 miles), Kansas City and Topeka (61 miles), Detroit and Toledo (62 miles), Buffalo and Rochester (78 miles) -- then surely, Inland Southern California, with a population of 4 million, deserves the opportunity to have its own local market adjacent to Los Angeles (60 miles), Palm Springs (60 miles) and San Diego (90 miles).

Finally, we say that in a nation with 210 TV DMA's, a strong case for a 211th could easily be made. Indeed, if Inland Southern California is large and expansive enough to have its own radio DMA, which it does, then why cannot the same be said for television?

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Low-power station KZSW covers Inland life


• InstantRiverside.com


• KZSW-TV


• U.S. Television Designated Market Areas

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - InstantRiverside.com (May 2007)


• Orange-Empire.com - Local TV?? (June 2005)

Passed 7-0 by the city council late last year and made effective Jan. 1 of this year, the new 4-tier, residential rate structure -- a doubling from 2 tiers -- was designed to help pay for future energy costs as well as utility expansion and upgrades by charging higher rates to the largest electric users.

The new rates were as follows:

• 8.8 cents for the first 250 kilowatt-hours
• 13.1 cents for the next 350 kwh
• 18.6 cents for the next 600 kwh
• 23.9 cents in excess of 1200 kwh

(a 100-watt light bulb on for 10 hours burns one kilowatt-hour of electricity)

It was hoped the new structure would also encourage folks to better conserve so as to stay away from the higher rates. However, some say the tiered benchmarks were too aggressive while others say residents simply failed to comprehend the new structure (let alone the need to better conserve). We suspect it's a little of both.

As expected, the city council repealed the top two tiers for further study. Let's hope they come back with a more equitable structure -- possibly a slightly wider spread with 3 tiers vs. 4? -- yet one that still encourages conservation (something we all need to do a better job at).

Regardless of what rate plan eventually comes forth, the city's electric rates will likely remain lower than those of Southern California Edison. Moreover, as a municipal utility, Riverside Public Utility's "profits" stay locally in the form of city funds to be used on local upgrades as well as other public benefits versus ending up in Edison's coffers elsewhere.

Finally, these are the kinds of in-depth reports we've come to expect from InstantRiverside.com and are reports you simply will not find from the LA-based television stations.

Update

• InstantRiverside.com - Riverside Utility Bills - Part Two

Related

• InstantRiverside.com - Riverside Utility Bills


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside's highest electricity rates repealed (Aug. 15)


• Riverside Public Utilities


• Riverside Public Utilities - Conservation Tips

Below is Part 2 in a brief history of the Riverside mall. Part 1 can be found here.

QUICK FACTS - 1991
Nordstrom Opening: September 6
Mall Re-Opening: October 17
Expansion Cost: $100 million
Construction: 17 months
Project Manager: Donahue-Schriber,
Newport Beach, CA
General Contractor: Charles Pankow
Builders, Ltd., Pasadena, CA
Nordstrom Architect: Callison
Architecture, Seattle
Anchors: The Broadway, J.C. Penney,
May Co. (1973), Nordstrom (1991)
Stores: 160
Size: 1.1 million sq. ft. (GLA)


1988
Expansion plans
Donahue-Schriber


1988
Interior depiction
Donahue-Schriber


1990
Construction
Donahue-Schriber


2006
Similar view


QUICK FACTS - 2007
Anchors:
Nordstrom, Macy's, J.C. Penney
Primary Out-Parcels:
Barnes & Noble (2001)
The Cheesecake Factory (2006)
PF Chang's (2006)
AMC Theaters (2007)
Yard House (2007)
Elephant Bar (2007)
Robbins Bros. (2007)
Tenants:
175-plus
Size:
1.35 million sq. ft. (GLA)


July 2007
North Village


2006
Galleria at Tyler
(pre-expansion)
MSN / LiveLocal

1980s - Growing Pains

By the early 1980s, both residents and city officials alike began voicing opinions about the lack of an upscale department store at the former Tyler Mall. And although Buffum's considered the area in the late-1960s and Bullock's officials had recently began scouting the area, neither brand had yet committed to building a local store.

In 1985, Seattle-based Nordstrom took the initiative and began work on the region's first upscale department store in nearby Montclair. And by late 1987, following a successful opening at Montclair Plaza, Nordstrom began scouting for a second area location. The upscale retailer took particular interest in Montclair's sibling mall in Riverside, which was in the midst of planning a similar expansion. However, the expansion would be delayed by local politics -- and local competition.

Earlier in the decade, Riverside annexed the site for a proposed regional mall on the city's eastern edge near the soon-to-be city of Moreno Valley. The mall, dubbed Canyon Springs Fashion Mall*, was proposed by Riverside-based T&S Development, developers of Riverside's highly-successful Canyon Crest Towne Centre. The two-level, 1.3 million sq. ft. mall (with 6 to 8 department stores) was part of the master-planned "Canyon Springs"* development proposed on 900 acres owned by T&S at the conjunction of Highway 60 and Interstate 215**.

Although department stores Bullock's and Harris' eventually signed letters of intent for the proposed mall, T&S encountered several delays in obtaining financing. And by the late-1980s, in the face of stiff competition from another proposed mall in adjacent Moreno Valley as well as the Tyler project, T&S essentially joined forces with a small, but vocal group of Riverside residents opposed to the Tyler expansion, which gained final approval in January 1989:

On the same day in March 1989, both T&S and the local residents group filed separate lawsuits aiming to block the expansion. But by December 1989, after key setbacks in court -- including the revelation of a thinly-veiled link between the two groups -- both lawsuits were dropped following out-of-court settlements, thus paving the way for expansion to finally begin.

(T&S suffered an even greater setback with the eventual pullout of Bullock's and the jumping ship of Harris' to the then-proposed Moreno Valley Mall at Towngate, which opened in late 1992 directly across Day Street from the proposed Canyon Springs mall. The land-rich, but cash-poor company ultimately dissolved. Today, portions of the Canyon Springs development include assorted big-box retail, offices and vacant land.)

1991 - Galleria at Tyler

After nearly 5 years of planning, negotiating, battling lawsuits and fending off competition from two proposed malls on the eastern edge of town, ground was broken in May 1990 for a $100 million expansion for the 20-year-old Tyler Mall. Included in the 500,000 square foot expansion were a second-level of mall shops, a 3-level, 164,000 sq. ft. Nordstrom department store and separate 4-level and 2-level parking structures:

Expansion plans for the mall closely followed those undertaken in 1985 at Montclair Plaza, also owned at the time by Newport Beach-based Donahue-Schriber. However, unlike Montclair's expansion, one major change would be how the second level of mall shops was added.

In Montclair, the second level was placed directly on the existing roof resulting in a taller overall structure. However, this also caused the new level to be a few feet higher than the second-story levels of the existing department stores. This required a gradual lowering of the mall’s new second level walkways immediately heading into the department stores (including a customized mini-escalator heading into The Broadway).

In Riverside, a relatively new technique was used in which the second level would be suspended from a truss system designed to rest a few feet below the existing roof level. As such, the ceilings in the existing mall stores had to be lowered to accommodate the newly-built second level above. The result was matching floor levels and a shorter overall structure. It was more expensive, but according to Donahue-Schriber, was less disruptive to both shoppers and merchants as fewer overall support columns were needed (the added weight was distributed across the new truss system).

Seventeen months after construction began, an expanded Tyler Mall officially opened on October 17, 1991 as the newly-christened Galleria at Tyler. Shoppers eagerly welcomed the doubling of mall shops (from 85 to 160), more parking and, of course, the long-awaited Nordstrom***.

Plans originally called for two more department stores (for a total of 6), one of which was to be Robinson's. However, the 1993 merger with May Co. -- resulting in Robinson's-May -- altered those plans. To date, neither the 5th nor 6th department stores have yet to be added. (In fact, the 2006 consolidation of Robinson's-May into Macy's resulted in Macy's relocating to the opposite end of the mall into the former Robinson's-May building.)

In 2001, Barnes & Noble replaced the original United Artists cinema located on Hughes Alley adjacent to the 91 Freeway. The theater, which originally opened with 2 theatres, was quickly doubled to 4 shortly after the mall opened. A 1978 proposal to double again to 8 screens failed to receive city approval. By the mid-1990s, the small theater was struggling to compete against the rise of mega-multiplexes. Various mall expansion plans floated in the late 1990s and early 2000s envisioned the UA 4 being replaced with a modern multiplex (including plans for a subterranean version).

2006/07 - Expansion

In July 2006, the Galleria at Tyler embarked on its third major expansion. The plans, which are taking place at out-parcels at opposing ends of the mall, include a multiplex theater, restaurants, additional retail and an expanded parking structure.

First to open in late 2006 were The Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's restaurants, both on the south end of the mall. And by July 2007, work was well underway at the north end of the mall property for what is being dubbed "North Village," which will house an AMC 16 theater multiplex, Elephant Bar and Yard House restaurants, a Robbins Bros. store as well as additional shops. Architects for the project are MBH Architects of Alameda, CA. Completion is slated for late 2007.

Elsewhere in the mall, the tenant mix continues to be updated. Recent additions include specialty shops the likes of Metropark, LoveSac, Coach and Aldo. In November 2007, Swedish fashion retailer H&M is set to open a 20,000 sq. ft. store at the mall's north end.

Yet to be determined is the fate of the distinctive 3-story, former Broadway/Macy's department store located near the "North Village" expansion. The building's cantilevered style of architecture showcases department store flair and design from a now bygone era. Its unique design was used only one other time for a sister store**** that opened in 1972 in Citrus Heights (Sacramento), Calif. (Correction: A third version of this design was used for a Fresno, Calif., Weinstock's store that also opened in 1970.)

Speculation for the now vacant building ranges from signing another department store -- such as Macy's sister store Bloomingdale's -- to revamping the 164,000 sq. ft. interior into micro shops (which, at the very least, would preserve the building). Another possibility, of course, is a complete tear down for further mall expansion. Though we'd definitely hate to see a vacant anchor for an extended number of years, we'd also hate to lose such an iconic architectural landmark. Moreover, what would become of the time capsule buried in 1970 by The Broadway, which states it's to be reopened in 2070?

We suspect only time -- and future department store mergers -- will tell.

Related

• Flash: The Broadway (1970) to Macy's (vacant/2006)


• Flash: May Co. (1976) to Macy's (2007)


• Photo Gallery: Galleria at Tyler


• Official Web site: Galleria at Tyler

* 1988 / Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce
** 1983 / PE photo
*** 1991 / Nordstrom, Inc.
**** Photo courtesty of Jim Van Schaak

2006
Macy's (south)

2006
Macy's (north)

2006
Nordstrom

2007
J.C. Penney

2006
Interior view

Below is Part 1 in a brief history of the Riverside mall, which is currently owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc.

QUICK FACTS - 1970
Opening: October 12
Cost: $45 million
Anchors: The Broadway,
J.C. Penney, May Co. (1973)
Stores: 85
Size: 800,000 sq. ft.
Land: 66 acres
Developers: Ernest W. Hahn,
Broadway-Hale, May Co.
Mall Architect: Jon Jerde of
Burke, Kober, Nicolais and Archuleta,
A.I.A., Los Angeles


Scale model for The Broadway
Architect: Charles Luckman Assoc.
(Courtesy of Jim Van Schaak)


Architect's rendering of J.C. Penney


1970s - Interior
1976 / GRCC


1970s - Exterior
1976 / GRCC


1980s - Tyler Mall
1988 / GRCC

1970 - Tyler Mall

Although the Tyler Mall did not open until October 1970, development of it began in 1965 as representatives from regional and national department stores began taking interest in two competing mall developments proposed for Riverside.

The first proposal, a 66-acre development by Beverly Hills-based Hunter Penn, was planned for the southeast corner of Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street. The three-anchor, enclosed shopping center was preferred by two department stores, May Co. and Los Angeles-based The Broadway:

The second proposal, which was approximately 2 miles northeast of the Tyler site, was a 113-acre development planned for the southeast corner of Magnolia Avenue and Monroe Street on land that comprises a portion of California Baptist University. Proposed by Riverside-based Marcus W. Meairs Co., "Magnolia Mall" was conceived as a four-anchor, enclosed shopping center and also gained the interest of two department stores, J.C. Penney (which had a stand-alone store downtown) and Los Angeles-based Buffum's:

Retail experts at the time agreed the city could not support both proposals, particularly with two similar-sized malls also proposed nearby in San Bernardino (Inland Center) and Montclair (Montclair Plaza). Likewise, those proposals included May Co. and Broadway stores, with the Montclair site also controlled by developer Hunter Penn.

In mid-1966, both The Broadway and May Co. bought out Hunter Penn's interest in the Montclair and Riverside sites with the Tyler property reportedly costing $2 million, or an average of $33,000 per acre.

Although Riverside originally approved zoning for both the Tyler and Magnolia malls, which actually led to a delay in construction, the Tyler site eventually became the preferred site. Its location on what was then sheep grazing land sat adjacent to the Tyler Street exit off the Riverside Freeway.

With the delays, initial site preparation and development of infrastructure did not begin until early 1968. And in February 1969, with Los Angeles-based developer Ernest W. Hahn now on board, plans were officially released:

Major construction began in October 1969 with the mall officially opening one year later on October 12, 1970*, ushering a new era of shopping to Riverside. Already familiar with the mall concept via the 1956 opening of the outdoor Riverside Plaza -- one of the first mall-like developments within Southern California -- the city welcomed this new enclosed version with open arms -- and open pocket books.

With 68 original stores (soon to be 85), including two department store anchors (The Broadway, J.C. Penney, plus a third pad) and a 61,000 square foot, two-level F.W. Woolworth, the 800,000 square foot Tyler Mall was nearly twice as large as its older cross-town cousin. Several exterior buildings, including a twin theater (United Artists), free-standing bank (United California Bank*), two restaurants (Howard Johnson's, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour*), two auto centers (JCP, Broadway*) and a gas station rounded out the property.

After a three-year delay in finalizing a new interior prototype, the May Co. building opened in July 1973, anchoring the south end of the mall. Containing a restaurant and cocktail lounge, the $5.5 million store was among the first stores to introduce the company's new retailing concept.

With the exception of The Broadway and May Co. buildings, the mall's original exterior was rather conservative, uniform and perfunctory. Rough textured, beige brick dominated the overall look with walls hiding the exterior utility corridors. Four entrances, two on each side, graced the north and south ends of the mall near the department stores. At the center of the 1000-foot linear mall was a short corridor housing more stores and the main entrance**, which faced west toward Tyler Street (where Nordstrom stands today).

Of particular interest was the striking architecture of The Broadway building. Designed by Los Angeles-based architectural firm of Charles Luckman & Assoc. (whom also designed New York's Madison Square Garden), the building's cantilevered*** design remains unique even today. Also of note, was the store's interior. Designed by Jim Van Schaak, the interior was honored as "Department Store of the Year" in the national "Store Interior Design" competition. (In late 2006, the building was vacated by Macy's for the freeway-friendly Robinson's-May building. As of mid-2007, plans for reusing the building are pending.)

Unlike the exterior, the mall's original interior** had a bit of late 60's flair, albeit with a modernist touch. Colorful skylights, hanging light clusters, abstract, high-gloss flooring, bark-filled planters and wooden, semi-circular benches added a whimsical touch to the mall.

For much of the 1970s and 1980s the mall performed well, but many felt there was at least one missing element -- an upscale department store. Although Buffum's initially appeared interested in the market in the late 1960s and Bullock's considered a store in 1980, economic conditions -- and eventual mergers -- kept both from making firm commitments:

In 1987, following strong population growth in the region and a successful 1986 opening at a newly-expanded Montclair Plaza, Seattle-based Nordstrom began showing interest in Montclair's sibling mall in Riverside, which was also working to expand. However, shoppers in Riverside would have to wait a few more years as obstacles threatened to derail the proposed expansion.

Continue to: Part 2

Related

• Flash: The Broadway (1970) to Macy's (vacant/2006)


• Flash: May Co. (1976) to Macy's (2007)


• Photo Gallery: Galleria at Tyler


• Official Web site: Galleria at Tyler

* 1970 / PE / RPL
** Copyright Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce
*** Photo courtesy of Jim Van Schaak

1969
Site Plan
(1969 / PE / RPL)

1970
Nearing completion
(1970 / PE / RPL)

1976
Interior
(1976 / GRCC)

1985
Interior (remodeled)
(1985 / GRCC)

1985
Advertisement
(Donahue
Schriber)

1990
Signage
(Donahue
Schriber)

As we previously noted, the million-dollar question is whether Inland Southern California will follow current patterns and continue sprawling farther outward? Or, will local officials, developers and residents alike begin accepting the need to begin growing smarter?

2007 - The good
San Bernardino


2007 - The not so good
Menifee


2007 - The better
Downtown Riverside

Two recent news items may give an indication of where we're headed. One article gives us hope that change is coming, specifically that both local governments and developers are beginning to add density -- and diversity -- to their mix of projects. The other article, however, gives us cause for concern and points to the notion that it is -- and will be -- "business as usual" in the ever-sprawling Inland region.

First, the good. Banking giant Wells Fargo recently announced the consolidation of various offices scattered about the region into a single, 5-story office building in the Hospitality Lane area of San Bernardino. Although we would have preferred to see the consolidation take place within downtown San Bernardino -- or even downtown Riverside -- the Hospitality Lane area indeed is a very successful campus-style commercial development. As such, its densities are not quite that of a downtown area, but at least a single 5-story building beats five, 1-story tilt-ups taking up five times the land area.

Second, the not so good. A recent article highlighted developers looking ahead toward the next wave of housing growth -- specifically, where it'll likely take place. In our opinion, the article displayed several problems for the future of this region if current development patterns are not changed sooner rather than later.

In particular, two aspects concerned us the most. One, the fact that most developers tend to be eyeing residential projects (as opposed to a balance of housing and employment projects):

And second, that such development will likely be sprawling, single-family oriented development, simply gobbling up the next available tract of land:

We feel these two notions must begin to change, most notably at the local government levels. Simply put, local governments must begin decreasing sprawl-oriented development, especially in the residential arena, as well as increase zoning for future employment centers, else the region will predominantly consist of sprawled-out bedroom communities -- and long commutes:

Is being even more of a "commuter market" what we really should be planning -- much less aiming -- for?

Bottom line here is that it's a lot easier -- and cheaper -- to zone ahead for impending commercial/employment uses now rather than having to rezone/redevelop pockets of existing residential uses later (which some of the region's older cities may find, in some instances, is closer to reality than they realize).

Fortunately, there is some hope as Riverside County is working to tackle the jobs/housing imbalance where it counts -- in land-use matters. With its Riverside County Integrated Project (RCIP), Riverside is attempting to manage future growth by simultaneously planning for it at three interdisciplinary levels: environmental, residential/commercial and transportation.

The crux of the plan essentially trades pockets of density for increased open space. As such, the pockets of moderate density keeps development from sprawling as well as allowing for the potential for varied transportation options -- namely, transit (think Metrolink versus freeway). However, the RCIP applies to the unincorporated areas of Riverside County and not the already established cities, so it's not an all-inclusive solution. Moreover, will the county and developers reasonably follow the "blueprint for tomorrow" as outlined?

As previously stated in a recent post, we're not envisioning New York City densities, but limited pockets of greater intensity, particularly in the existing downtown areas of Riverside and San Bernardino and portions of Ontario. In essence, we're simply going to have to begin accepting more mid- and high-rise projects.

In other words, it's time to begin growing up, both figuratively and literally.

Related

• San Bernardino Sun - Wells Fargo merging offices at SB building


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Developers eye next Inland housing hot spot


• Riverside County Integrated Project (RCIP)

Orange-Empire.com

• Time to grow up (July 2007)


• Census: Riverside County third in total residents added since 2000 (March 2007)


• 4 million and counting (Dec. 2006)


• Inland growth driving SoCal region (Dec. 2006)


• 'A Sleeping Giant' - part deux (Feb. 2006)

RaincrossSquare.com

• Mixed-use projects picking up steam in Riverside (July 2007)


• Site cleared for downtown Riverside office building (April 2007)

2006
Central Library


1966
w/ original fountains
1967 RNB calendar


1970s
Pre-Chinese Pavilion


1980s
w/ rose garden
1985 / GRCC


1910 - Carnegie Library

The notion began with a seemingly innocuous letter to the editor that appeared in the June 19th edition of The Press-Enterprise. Initially, the letter received a smattering of support (1, 2). But it was the boost given by revered PE columnist Dan Bernstein in which the issue began to take on a life of its own.

Although we agree the Eastside indeed could use an expanded library, moving the downtown branch is not the answer. Simply put, the Central Library plays a vital role in the city's reemerging downtown arts & culture community. And as the main branch of the citywide system -- as well as being a primary governmental repository for Riverside County and the Inland region as a whole -- the Central Library should remain downtown where it is both expected and belongs.

Moreover, the library is probably the best entity in drawing folks of all neighborhoods and of all classes to the downtown area, some of whom their only semi-regular exposure to downtown may in fact come from visiting the Central Library. And with a reemerging downtown, such wide-ranging exposure is critical for long-term stability.

Fortunately, it appears many others share our view, including the Riverside Downtown Partnership, the president of the Riverside Public Library Foundation and even Duane Roberts, owner of the Mission Inn, who no doubt might be easily tempted in viewing the adjacent library property for expansion of the popular Mission Inn hotel. However, he too understands the importance of having the library at his doorstep:

But, we must confess, this post goes beyond the relocation factor. We're about to broach a subject that has touched many a nerve since the "new" library replaced the old Carnegie in 1965.

First off, we whole-heartedly agree it was a shame to lose the 1903 Carnegie to the wrecking ball during the mid-1960s. However, as painful as that might have been, it is now in the past and there's nothing we can do to reverse that particular decision -- but we can keep from repeating it. With that said, we believe the current building has its own architectural merits, and thus, should not meet a similar fate. In fact, we're even willing to say we like it. (There, we said it.)

Although we agree its placement in the midst of historic architecture -- ranging from the eclectic Mission Inn to the ornate First Congretional Church -- is indeed a bit jarring, we also believe the building itself offers some of the best representation of mid-century, "new formalism" architecture within the entire Inland region. Such architecture may not be fully appreciated by many old-timers, but recent generations have grown up among such striking, modern architecture -- only to see it now quickly disappearing from the landscape. Moreover, though subjective as it is, who's to say such isn't the next "historic" architecture worth preserving?

Finally, we have one other -- albeit semi-weak -- argument for keeping the current library, both where it is and in its current achitectural design. If anything can be said about losing the historic Carnegie and its eventual replacement with the modernist facility, it is that it proved to be the catalyst which brought historic preservation to the forefront in Riverside. In fact, we have heard it said that it was the reason for the coalescence of historic preservation efforts during the 1960s, which played a pivotal role in preserving the Mission Inn in the 1970s and early 1980s. To lose such a real-life, existing reminder for future generations to see with their own eyes, in all its juxtapositional glory, we feel will only increase the likelihood of repeating similar mistakes. Thus, if not for any other reason, we say the current library should stay standing as a living, breathing reminder of the need for cohesive historic preservation. (Ok, we told you it was a weak argument.)

But, if that isn't enough to sway you, then maybe this will: Why not make the current Metropolitan Museum the "new" Central Library and the current Central Library the "new" Metropolitan Museum? Architecturally, the current library looks more like a museum of modern art while the current museum looks more like an historic library.

There, it's settled.

All kidding aside, we believe the city's main library branch belongs in downtown -- and nowhere else.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside library to get more elbow room


• City of Riverside - Riverside Public Library


• City of Riverside - Riverside Metropolitan Museum

2006
Entry ramp

2006
Mid-century entrance

2006
Mid-century
lighting

2006 - Mid-century
designs

2006
The
"fishbones"

2006
Chinese Pavilion

2006 - Downtown Riverside


2006 - Ontario

The report, issued by the California Department of Finance -- the folks responsible for statewide fiscal planning and demographics -- says Riverside County can expect to house 4.7 million residents in about 40 years. This would move the county from its current spot as the fourth most-populous to the No. 2 spot, with only Los Angeles County's projected 13.1 million being larger (indeed, much larger). San Bernardino County is projected to remain the fifth most-populous with 3.7 million.

If recent history is a guide, however, one thing is certain -- we cannot simply ignore the potential numbers. Although there's no guarantee that all 2.5-plus million residents will actually arrive as projected, there's no doubt Riverside County will still absorb a large amount of future growth (as we've learned over the past 40 years). So too will San Bernardino County. Thus, ignoring the growth is not the answer -- but aggressively planning for it is.

Therefore, the question is, will local officials and residents alike simply allow development to continue sprawling outward? Or, will we begin to realize -- and accept -- the time has come to begin growing upward?

In our opinion, we do not see any other option but upward. We're not talking a forest of 50-story towers. Instead, we're envisioning pockets of mixed-use, higher density developments consisting of modest 15-, 20- and 30-story buildings, mostly in the existing downtowns of Riverside and San Bernardino and possibly even Ontario. Likewise, we hope to see smaller clusters consisting of 5-, 10- and 15-story buildings in some portions of Corona, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta and even Redlands. Such would greatly increase future options in living, working, transportation and cultural amenities while still maintaining the viability of existing lifestyles. In essence, simply adding balance to the current landscape.

Indeed, Inland Southern California cannot continue spreading outward, if only for two major reasons -- lack of efficient, multi-modal transportation and the need for stronger, more diversified employment centers. It's becoming more evident that continuing current development patterns is simply too expensive -- everything from environmental concerns and infrastructure constraints (think: freeway gridlock) to overall quality of life.

Quite frankly, do we really want our children and their children to spend countless hours commuting to LA, Orange and San Diego counties as many of us and our parents before have done? Whether it be for employment or even entertainment purposes, we think the smart answer is an emphatic "No."

Thus, it's now time to grow up.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Riverside County population forecast to double by 2050, ranking it No. 2 in state


• Ontario Daily Bulletin - Population to double by 2050


• Los Angeles Times - 60 million Californians by mid-century


• California - Department of Finance

Orange-Empire.com

• Census: Riverside County third in total residents added since 2000 (March 2007)


• 4 million and counting (Dec. 2006)


• Inland growth driving SoCal region (Dec. 2006)


• 'A Sleeping Giant' - part deux (Feb. 2006)

RaincrossSquare.com

• Mixed-use projects picking up steam in Riverside

Below are two views of "E" Street in downtown San Bernardino, first from the 1940s and next from 2007.

Both views above are looking north toward the intersection with 3rd Street (note: the 1940s postcard incorrectly states the view as being from 3rd Street as opposed to being toward 3rd Street).

On the immediate left is the Harris Co. department store, with its decorative elements, while just beyond it is the Andresen Building, which was the former home to Bank of America. As seen in the 2007 view, both structures remain standing today, though the Harris Co. building is currently closed.

On the right, the scene has changed dramatically. Civic Plaza -- which encompasses City Hall, Exhibit Hall and the Clarion Hotel -- has replaced the buildings on the immediate right, including the one-time branch of Citizens' National Bank (foreground) and the four-story, 1890 Katz Building (background).

With the redevelopment of Carousel Mall -- of which the Harris Co. building anchors its eastern end -- becoming much more probable, the immediate area is likely to change dramatically once again.

Related

• Orange-Empire.com - ULI to develop plans for downtown San Bernardino


• Orange-Empire.com - Downtown San Bernardino photo gallery


• RaincrossSquare.com - Then & Now

1930s
Harris Co.

1950s
3rd Street toward E Street
(where Carousel Mall
sits today)

1940s
E Street toward 3rd Street

2007
E Street toward 3rd Street