The Riverside Cultural Heritage Board postponed a demolition decision Wednesday for a fire-damaged 1908 house, giving officials 90 days to negotiate what could become a win-win solution between preservation and development needs.
Local businessman Aurelio Melendrez has offered to purchase the Henry Jacob Gerhardt House at 4472 Orange St. at fair market value or work with RCOE to find a plan to restore and reuse the historic structure. The proposal would allow the Riverside County Office of Education to recover costs from the damaged property while preserving the Structure of Merit building for the community.
Melendrez said he understands RCOE’s position and wants to find common ground. “It’s gotta make sense for everybody,” he said. “I give them a lot of grace. I’m like, no, you’re making the right choice. And so for me, it’s just, you know, what kind of solution can we come up with?”
RCOE acquired the Victorian cottage in July 2023 as part of its downtown expansion to serve nearly 7,000 families through early childhood education services. The organization requested demolition permits after an arsonist set multiple fires at the structure in December, with surveillance footage provided to law enforcement.
RCOE’s insurance-commissioned structural assessment found more than 60% of load-bearing elements compromised, making restoration technically unfeasible. Demolition would allow conversion to additional parking for their operations.
The Old Riverside Foundation disputes the damage assessment and believes restoration remains possible. “The city estimates approximately 30% of the building was damaged. We believe it can be restored,” said Dave Stolte, foundation president.
Ward 1 Councilmember Philip Falcone, also an Old Riverside Foundation member, said more than 200 letters opposing demolition flooded his office after notices were posted. “There is nothing more unconscionable than demolishing a 100-year-old building in favor of a nominal addition of parking stalls,” he wrote in a public message.
Despite opposing positions, both sides have worked transparently through the process. RCOE hosted foundation members for site inspections, commissioned independent professional assessments and collaborated with preservationists to salvage historically significant elements.
“RCOE has remained cooperative and actively engaged with both the City and law enforcement throughout the investigation, as well as in exploring future options,” the organization stated.
Melendrez emphasized he’s not seeking confrontation. “I’m not gonna go to the mattresses over this. This isn’t gonna be something that, you know, we’re in a fight,” he said.
The house was built by contractor George Harsh and originally owned by painter Henry Jacob Gerhardt. The building contributes to the Prospect Place Historic District, one of Riverside’s first residential neighborhoods.
Melendrez’s purchase offer represents a potential compromise that could satisfy preservation goals while addressing RCOE’s practical concerns about the fire-damaged property.
The Cultural Heritage Board will reconvene after the 90-day period to make a final decision on this developing story.
