Context
The Riverside Convention Center is located in downtown Riverside, flanked by Orange Street to the east, 5th Street to the north, and 3rd Street to the south. Due to its location, dominated by the Mission Inn, the Fox Performing Arts Center, and the Riverside Art Museum, important considerations were required in the design of the new facility. Elements of the Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival styles were studied in terms of scale, proportions, and contextual engagement. These styles were then incorporated in a less literal nature to ensure the proper historic dialogue with the neighboring buildings, while still acknowledging that it was designed in the 21st century.
For over 100 years the City of Riverside has used the Mission Inn’s “Raincross” as its iconic symbol, referenced in many aspects of the City from light standards, signage, and most recently incorporated in the concrete retaining walls of the 91 freeway expansion. The Riverside Convention Center also carries on the symbolic tradition of the “Raincross” by incorporating it into the interior light fixture details.
Project Scope and Budget
The original Convention Center was constructed in 1976 and had served the Riverside and surrounding communities well throughout the years. However, despite numerous upgrades, the facility was unable to keep up with the needs of the growing and thriving City that has more than doubled in population during the past four decades.
The vision for the Convention Center was to re-use the structural portion of the original building and add the necessary space to the west and north to remake and expand the facility to best accommodate current demands. The original building of 92,000 square feet was combined with a 36,000 square foot addition. Now the Riverside Convention Center provides 50 percent more exhibit hall space, additional meeting rooms, a large pre-function area, a second entry, a new concourse, and a beaconing outdoor entry plaza.
The cost of the newly renovated facility was $43.63 million.
Design Solution
The expansion to the Riverside Convention Center was envisioned to act as a new economic engine for downtown Riverside. The design creates a variety of unique spaces to accommodate a wider range of meeting needs and attendee activities. This enables the Convention Center to attract larger events, creating additional revenue for the City, but still appeal to smaller groups and functions by maintaining a characteristic downtown boutique feel.
The expansion used the unique contours of the site to create a second primary entrance on the lower level along with additional parking. This second entrance allows the center to host multiple events simultaneously. With the addition of a new exterior plaza, guests are welcomed to a well-appointed setting for smaller outdoor reception events or for larger, more formal outdoor functions. This space also acts as the outdoor link between the upper and lower concourses.
Sustainability
Sustainable design features include: high efficiency LED lighting, occupant sensors for energy management, natural daylighting, recycled materials, and drought tolerant landscaping.
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