10 Best Architectural Buildings in San Bernardino, California: A Guide to Iconic Structures

San Bernardino, a city with rich cultural history, offers some of the most remarkable architectural buildings you can find in California.

The diversity in architectural styles reflects the city’s growth and adaptation over different periods, adding to its unique charm.

Architectural enthusiasts and residents alike will appreciate the fusion of modern functionality with historic elegance.

From educational institutions to commercial hubs, the buildings here are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as landmarks of the city’s creative legacy.

1. San Bernardino County Government Center

The San Bernardino County Government Center is a key feature in downtown San Bernardino.

This building will be a 307,000-square-foot structure set to open in 2028, replacing a variety of older offices.

The new facility aims to consolidate many government services in one central location. It will enhance efficiency and accessibility for residents.

A new parking structure is also planned to open in 2025 to support this development.

For more information, you can visit the San Bernardino County Government Center.

2. Arrowhead Springs Historic District

Arrowhead Springs Historic District is a well-known spot in San Bernardino.

It boasts the famous Arrowhead Springs Hotel, which was a popular getaway for Hollywood celebrities.

The district is named after the naturally occurring arrowhead-shaped formation in the foothills. This formation has been a symbol for centuries.

The arrowhead is 1,375 feet long and 449 feet wide.

Nestled on a 2,000-acre spread, Arrowhead Springs features bubbling hot springs, rugged hills, and canyons. The site offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

3. San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino Valley College is known for its modern campus design.

It offers programs in architecture and environmental design, helping students build foundational knowledge in these fields.

The college recently underwent significant redevelopment due to a seismic fault line.

This included the design and construction of new buildings, ensuring safety and sustainability.

For more information about the architecture program, visit the college’s website.

4. Santa Fe Depot

The Santa Fe Depot, located in San Bernardino, California, is a stunning example of Mission Revival-style architecture.

Built in 1918, this historic building features domes, towers, and a tile roof.

It covers 65,000 square feet and includes a 330-foot-long trackside arcade. Initially serving the Santa Fe Railroad, it is now a hub for Amtrak and Metrolink services.

Its rich heritage and timeless design make it a must-see architectural landmark in San Bernardino. For more details, visit the Santa Fe Depot website.

5. San Bernardino Civic Center

The San Bernardino Civic Center is a key landmark in the city.

It serves as the central hub for government activities and public services.

Its design reflects modern architectural principles, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.

The Civic Center is known for its open spaces and clean lines, making it a notable feature in downtown San Bernardino.

For more details about the Civic Center, you can visit the City of San Bernardino.

6. Mitla Café Building

The Mitla Café Building is an iconic structure located on Mount Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino.

Founded in 1937, this building has served as a staple in the community for decades.

Renowned for its historical significance, it inspired the creation of Taco Bell and played a role in Mexican-American social movements.

Visit the Mitla Café at 602 N Mount Vernon Ave to experience a piece of San Bernardino’s rich history.

7. St. Bernardine Medical Center

St. Bernardine Medical Center has been a cornerstone of the San Bernardino community since its founding in 1928.

Known for its dedication to quality healthcare, it was established by Dr. Philip Savage and Father Patrick Dunn to serve the growing population.

The medical center is recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer, highlighting its commitment to inclusive and equitable care.

Located at 2101 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, it continues to provide essential medical services to residents of the area.

8. California Theatre of the Performing Arts

The California Theatre of the Performing Arts is a historic gem in downtown San Bernardino.

Built in 1928, it originally belonged to the Fox Theatre chain.

This venue features a Wurlitzer Style 216 pipe organ, adding to its charm. The 1,718-seat auditorium was designed by John Paxton Perrine.

Located in the heart of the city, it still hosts performances and events today.

9. San Manuel Stadium

San Manuel Stadium, an open-air ballpark in downtown San Bernardino, California, opened in 1996.

It serves as the home field for the Inland Empire 66ers, a Minor League Baseball team. The stadium is named after the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Located between E and G Streets, Mill and Rialto streets, the stadium can hold up to 5,000 fans.

Visitors can enjoy views of the San Bernardino Mountains while watching the game. With its rich history and scenic location, San Manuel Stadium remains a popular spot for baseball fans in the region.

10. Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, located in San Bernardino, California, was founded in 1927 by Bishop John Cantwell of Los Angeles.

The initial church was a rented house on Sierra Way.

The current church building began construction in May 1928. It serves as a key religious site and the heart of the local Catholic community.

Confessions are held every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The cathedral also hosts a special Amigos Unidos Mass every third Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m.

Architectural Styles in San Bernardino

San Bernardino showcases a variety of architectural styles, highlighting its diverse heritage and evolving landscape.

Notable styles include Mid-Century Modern and Spanish Colonial Revival, each contributing unique features to the city’s architectural identity.

Mid-Century Modern Influence

Mid-Century Modern architecture, prominent from the 1940s to the 1960s, is characterized by clean lines, large glass windows, and open floor plans.

In San Bernardino, this style is celebrated for its simplicity and integration with nature.

Key Features:

• Flat Roofs: These roofs create a streamlined look.
• Large Windows: Expansive glass walls allow for natural light.
• Open Spaces: The designs emphasize functional and flowing interior spaces.

Local Examples:
Jenkins/Gales & Martinez (JGM), known for their experimental designs, incorporate Mid-Century elements in their projects.

Their work often features the iconic simplicity and efficiency of this style. More about JGM’s projects can be found here.

Spanish Colonial Revival

The Spanish Colonial Revival style, popular in the early 20th century, reflects San Bernardino’s cultural history.

This style is inspired by the old missions and Spanish architecture of the colonial period.

Key Features:

• Red Tile Roofs: These roofs are a hallmark of the style.
• Stucco Walls: Typically painted white, these walls provide a clean look.
• Arches and Courtyards: These elements create a sense of openness and elegance.

Local Examples:
Residential projects by firms like Xavier Design Group often incorporate Spanish Colonial features, blending historical aesthetics with modern needs.

Their work includes new constructions and home renovations that respect San Bernardino’s architectural heritage. Learn more about their services here.

Notable Architects and Their Impact

San Bernardino boasts a range of architects who have significantly shaped the city’s architectural landscape.

These professionals, both renowned and local, have left lasting marks on the community with their diverse styles and visionary approaches.

Renowned Figures and Their Contributions

One of the most notable architects is Julia Morgan.

Her design of Hearst Castle in California highlights her expertise in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.

Although the castle itself is in San Simeon, her influence reaches San Bernardino through various institutional designs that embody similar elegance and attention to detail.

Another key figure is Frank Gehry, known for his innovative and often groundbreaking designs.

While Gehry is primarily associated with projects like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, his impact on the architectural community extends to inspired use of metals and unconventional shapes.

His techniques inspire many modern architects in San Bernardino, influencing both public and private sector projects.

Local Talent and Visionaries

San Bernardino is home to talented local architects such as the team at Jenkins/Gales & Martinez (JGM).

Their work spans multiple sectors, including infrastructure, civic spaces, and residential developments.

Their style combines experimentation with effective project management, resulting in practical yet visually appealing structures. More details can be found at Jenkins/Gales & Martinez.

The Eastlake Design Group is another prominent local firm.

Known for its collaborative approach and quick responsiveness, Eastlake Design Group has built a reputation for high-quality work in San Bernardino’s residential architecture.

They continuously set new standards by incorporating feedback and adapting to the evolving needs of the community, ensuring their projects are both functional and beautiful. Additional information is available on Eastlake Design Group.

Preservation Efforts and Historical Significance

Many buildings in San Bernardino highlight the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.

St. Bernardine’s Catholic Church stands out for its resilience. The first iteration completed in 1863 was replaced after a fire. Its historical influence is cherished by the community.

Historic Downtown San Bernardino preserves a blend of structures from the California Gold Rush era. These buildings have shaped the city’s identity, playing a significant role in its development.

The area remains a symbol of San Bernardino’s dynamic history.

San Bernardino Asistencia, also known as Estancia, is a vital part of the Spanish mission system. Built in 1819, this historic site emphasizes Spanish colonial architecture and showcases the influence of early mission outposts on the region.

Efforts to maintain these buildings range from local government initiatives to community-led preservation projects.

These efforts focus on restoration and adaptive reuse, ensuring the buildings remain part of modern life while retaining their historic essence.

The National Register of Historic Places lists many of these structures, underscoring their national importance.

This designation helps protect and manage these landmarks, fostering awareness and support for their upkeep.

Through these concerted efforts, San Bernardino continues to honor its architectural legacy, reflecting the city’s cultural and historical richness.