A Civic/Institutional Design Citation of Merit is given for the restoration of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. Through a public-private partnership, this project creatively reimagined a decommissioned midcentury library into a unique cultural hub, celebrating Chicano art and culture while preserving its New Formalist architectural essence. Situated in Riverside's historic downtown, The Cheech revolves around Cheech Marin's collection of over 500 Chicano artworks and raises awareness that "Chicano art is American art." The project utilized "acupuncture architecture," strategically enhancing visitor experiences. Significant design decisions included converting the reading room into galleries, incorporating modern systems and lighting, and creating a zócalo, or town square, in the former lobby. A striking double-volume space was fashioned by opening up the second floor, allowing for a site-specific lenticular mural by artists Einar and Jaime de la Torre. The grand staircase was fully restored, the façade was refurbished, and the original entrance podium level was restored to its former prominence, now hosting various activities. Key details such as the red brick walls and plaster domes, were retained. 

Riverside Art Museum, City of Riverside, Cheech Marin Art Collection (Public-Private Partnership)

Page & Turnbull (Architect of Record, Preservation Architect); wHY Architects (Design Architect); Structural Focus (Structural Engineer); Design West Engineering (MEP Engineer); HLB Lighting Design (Lighting Designer); Lerch Bates (Elevator Consultant); Epic Engineers (Civil Engineer); Teecom (Security, A/V & IT Consultant); Jenny Huang Design (Signage Consultant); Veneklasen Associates (Acoustic Consultant); Hamel Contracting Inc (Contractor)