10 Best Architectural Buildings in Riverside, California: A Guide to Iconic Designs

Riverside, California, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is home to some stunning examples of architectural design.

From historic landmarks to modern marvels, these buildings showcase the diverse architectural styles that have shaped the city’s landscape.

This article will explore ten of the best architectural buildings in Riverside, highlighting their unique features and historical significance.

Architectural enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will find much to admire in Riverside’s varied structures.

Discover the masterful designs that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering both a glimpse into the past and a vision of the future.

Whether you’re interested in classic styles or contemporary creations, Riverside has something to offer.

1. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California is a prime example of Mission Revival architecture.

This luxury hotel, originally constructed in 1903, was developed over decades by owner Frank Augustus Miller.

Covering an entire city block in downtown Riverside, the hotel blends rich history with modern comfort. It includes Spanish Mission-style features and elegant design elements.

Recognized as a historic landmark, the Mission Inn has been a member of Historic Hotels of America since 1996. The hotel has hosted numerous famous guests and continues to be a cherished local icon. For more information, visit their official site.

2. Riverside Art Museum

The Riverside Art Museum is located in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California.

Originally designed by Julia Morgan in 1929, the building housed the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) before being purchased and converted into an art museum in 1967.

The museum offers a variety of art classes and hosts events that aim to engage and inspire the local community.

It addresses social issues through thought-provoking exhibits. The architectural significance of the building itself adds to its charm, known for its distinctive design by a pioneering female architect. More details can be found at Riverside Art Museum.

3. Fox Performing Arts Center

The Fox Performing Arts Center stands as a key landmark in Riverside, California.

Built in 1929, the theater showcases Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Originally known as the Riverside Theater, it served as a cinema and vaudeville venue.

Today, it remains a central part of Riverside’s Arts & Culture initiative, following significant renovation efforts to become a regional performing arts facility.

The building’s design features intricate details and an old-world charm, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. For more information, visit the Fox Performing Arts Center.

4. California Citrus State Historic Park

California Citrus State Historic Park, established in 1993, is a unique landmark in Riverside.

Spanning over 250 acres, it showcases the state’s rich citrus heritage. The park is both an open-air museum and a working citrus grove.

Visitors can explore groves of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The park also features historic buildings and interpretive exhibits that tell the story of the citrus industry’s impact on California’s economy and culture.

Guided tours and educational programs are available for a deeper understanding of this significant period in the state’s history.

5. Riverside County Historic Courthouse

The Riverside County Historic Courthouse is a standout example of Beaux-Arts architecture.

Designed by Franklin Pierce Burnham, its construction started in 1903 and was completed in 1904. The building occupies almost an entire city block and is modeled after the Grand Palais in Paris.

This courthouse is listed as a historical landmark by the Riverside County Historical Commission. It is still in use today, housing the Executive Offices and Human Resources department.

The white, 45,500-square-foot building features elaborate sculptural ornamentation, showcasing classic revival style.

6. Mount Rubidoux

Mount Rubidoux is a prominent landmark in Riverside, California.

It features a popular 2.7-mile paved loop trail. This trail offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Hikers can visit the World Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge. This site was built in 1925 to honor Frank A. Miller.

Mount Rubidoux is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Parking is available at Ryan Bonaminio Park, where restrooms and picnic areas can be found.

7. Heritage House

Heritage House is an iconic example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture.

Built in 1891-92 for Mrs. Catherine Bettner, the house is part of the Museum of Riverside.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 8193 Magnolia Avenue, it offers a glimpse into Riverside’s past.

To visit, reservations are needed, as it is a popular attraction in Riverside. You can explore more details on the Heritage House and its virtual tour at Museum of Riverside.

8. Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery

Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery, located in Riverside, California, spans 12 acres.

Established in 1872, it is the final resting place of many notable figures from Riverside County’s history.

The cemetery features the Riverside Mausoleum, designed by Henry Jekel. This significant structure was built in 1914 and later expanded with a crematory addition in 1929.

Evergreen Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its historical importance. The site also includes a historic portion with over 1,500 interments, including some of Riverside’s most notable founders.

9. UCR Botanic Gardens

The UCR Botanic Gardens is a stunning 40-acre garden located at the University of California, Riverside.

It offers a diverse collection of over 3,500 plant species from around the world.

Visitors can explore scenic trails, enjoy curated art events, and relax in beautiful landscapes.

The gardens feature buildings for staff, a greenhouse, and a propagating lath house.

It’s a perfect spot for students and the community to escape and connect with nature. For more details, visit the UCR Botanic Gardens website.

10. March Field Air Museum

The March Field Air Museum is located at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California. This museum is known for its impressive collection of aircraft.

Visitors can see early flight models, World War II planes, and modern jets.

With its wide range of exhibits, the museum appeals to both aviation enthusiasts and families. For more details, check out the March Field Air Museum website.

Architectural Styles in Riverside

Riverside, California is known for its rich architectural heritage.

This diversity is reflected in the city’s buildings, which showcase a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival, Mid-Century Modern, and Victorian Era influence.

Spanish Colonial Revival

Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is prominent in Riverside, characterized by its red-tile roofs, white stucco walls, and arched doorways. This style often incorporates decorative tiles, wrought iron, and large courtyards.

A notable example is the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, famed for its intricate details and lush gardens.

Buildings in this style often exude a sense of history and craftsmanship, making them a staple of Riverside’s visual identity.

Mid-Century Modern

Riverside also boasts a selection of Mid-Century Modern architecture.

This style emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and integration with nature. It often features large glass windows, flat planes, and open floor plans to highlight indoor-outdoor living.

In the city’s residential areas, many homes reflect this aesthetic, using minimalistic designs with practical, comfortable interiors.

Architects like Richard Neutra and Albert Frey have influenced many buildings in Riverside, contributing to the city’s architectural diversity.

Victorian Era Influence

Victorian Era architecture can be seen in Riverside with its ornate detailing, asymmetrical facades, and steep gabled roofs.

Buildings from this period often feature intricate woodwork, patterned shingles, and expansive porches.

One example is the Riverside County Historic Courthouse, which showcases elements typical of the Victorian style.

These buildings are often associated with a sense of grandeur and attention to detail, adding a layer of historical charm to Riverside’s architectural landscape.

Historical Significance

Riverside, California, boasts a rich history reflected in its architectural gems.

Some structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting their cultural and historical importance.

Blythe Intaglios are ancient geoglyphs created by Native Americans, representing human and animal figures. These massive ground drawings date back thousands of years, providing insight into early Native American life.

The Harada House is a symbol of the struggles and victories of Japanese immigrants. The Harada family successfully fought legal battles to own property during an era of discrimination, making this house a landmark of civil rights history.

The Mission Inn Museum is a marvel of Mission Revival architecture. Over its long history, it has hosted presidents and celebrities. Visitors are drawn to its unique design and historic significance in Riverside’s development.

Mount Rubidoux offers more than stunning views. It’s a place rich in history, with a historic cross commemorating Father Junípero Serra, an essential figure in California’s mission history. It’s a popular spot for both hikers and history buffs.

Sherman Institute, originally an Indian boarding school, played a pivotal role in Native American education. Despite controversial policies, its history reflects significant cultural and educational transitions.

For a quaint historic site, the Elmer A. Day House showcases Riverside County’s architectural heritage. This well-preserved home represents the lifestyle and design aesthetics of its time period, emphasizing local historical significance.

John Rains House is an Italianate style building that provides a glimpse into the 19th-century life of one of Riverside’s influential families. It’s a vivid testament to the area’s early agricultural development and settler life.

Influence on Local Culture

The architecture in Riverside, California plays a significant role in shaping the local culture.

Buildings like the Mission Inn Hotel provide a backdrop for many cultural events and festivals.

Mission Revival style, with its stucco walls and red tile roofs, is prominently seen throughout the city.

This style is inspired by the Spanish missions of California.

The Mission Inn is not just a hotel; it stands as a cultural landmark.

Its design influences neighboring buildings and adds a unique character to the city.

The California Citrus State Historic Park adds to the region’s cultural fabric.

Its structures reflect the agricultural history of Riverside, emphasizing the importance of citrus farming to the region.

The preservation of Riverside Chinatown highlights the city’s respect for diverse cultural heritages.

Though many physical remnants are gone, its historical value remains significant.

Additionally, newer constructions by leading architects incorporate modern elements while respecting the historical styles, blending the old with the new.

The Riverside architecture influences the city’s identity, making it a place where history and modernity coexist.

It shapes community interactions, tourism, and even the local economy, making it an integral part of Riverside’s cultural landscape.