A more than 100-year-old cottage that is one of the last remaining original buildings at UC Riverside has gotten a new lease on life.
An extensive renovation project was recently completed to the University Cottage, a small building that is one of the oldest on campus. It was one of a small cluster of buildings that were part of the Citrus Experiment Station that predates UCR.
It was first built in 1917 as one of three small residential cottages across from the original Barn structures that included a horse stable, carpenter shop, hay barn, and two wagon sheds.
The two other cottages were later moved to Agricultural Operations but the lone cottage remained with a variety of functions over the years including as an office and for storage. In recent years it sat vacant and was in decline.
Despite some alterations, it maintained its original architectural integrity, said 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,” she said.
Her office worked with Facilities Services, which oversaw the renovation of the 1,035 sq ft cottage over the past year. The project included painting the interior and exterior, replacing the roof, installing new mechanical, electrical and plumbing, replacing the doors, and restoring the windows.
The front porch was restored to its original look with its handrails and replacement of the ramp.
“It turned out nice,” said Chad Chambers, project manager with Facilities Services, who supervised the renovation. “We’re very happy with it.”
The grey and white color scheme matches that of The Barn, which was renovated and expanded in 2020.
The UCR Retirement Center, which now has leased space in University Village, will move into the restored cottage.
“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.
Andy Plumley, president of the UCR Retirees’ Association, said the retirees and emeriti associations identified the cottage as a possible home for the retirement center about six years ago. He said it shows meaningful support for retirees, many of whom continue to volunteer and contribute to the campus.
“These are people who want to stay active,” he said. “To have the cottage as our home reconnects people to the campus.”
The retirement center expects to move in by fall after the cottage is furnished and fire safety and security systems are installed, Plumley said.
