A 109-year-old cottage predating the founding of the University of California, Riverside has been restored following a yearlong renovation project, preserving one of the campus’s oldest remaining original buildings and preparing it to serve as the future home of the UCR Retirement Center.
Originally built in 1917, the cottage was part of the former Citrus Experiment Station, which existed decades before the founding of UCR. The building was one of three residential cottages located near the station’s original barn structures, including a horse stable, carpenter shop, hay barn and wagon sheds.
While the other two cottages were later relocated to Agricultural Operations, the remaining cottage stayed on campus and served several purposes over the years, including office and storage space. In recent years, however, the building sat vacant.
Despite modifications made over time, the cottage retained much of its original architectural character, according to Jacqueline Norman, Associate Vice Chancellor and campus architect.
“I’m very excited that this tiny, but important, campus facility is at long last receiving the treatment it deserves,” Norman said.
Facilities Services oversaw the renovation project in coordination with Norman’s office. Renovation to the 1,035-square-foot building included repainting the interior and exterior, replacing the roof, upgrading mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, installing new doors and restoring windows. The front porch was also restored to its original appearance with handrails and a rebuilt ramp.
“It turned out nice,” commented Chad Chambers,a project manager with Facilities Services, who supervised the renovation. “We’re very happy with it.”
The restored cottage will become the new home of the UCR Retirement Center, which was previously housed at University Village and currently shares spaces at Hinderaker Hall.
“We are very much looking forward to having a dedicated space to support and provide services for our emeriti and retiree community who continue to give back to UCR in so many ways,” said Cristina Otegui, director of the Retirement Center.
The center is expected to move into the cottage by fall after furnishing and safety systems are installed.
