Downtown Riverside in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

J.R. Willis Building (1927)

1927

— Cultural Heritage Board Landmark —

J.R. Willis Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026

1. J.R. Willis Building Marker

Inscription. This building is an important component in a larger Mediterranean style commercial complex. G. Stanley Wilson was the architect, assisted by his chief designer, Peter Weber. Plans were prepared specifically to accommodate Jr. Willis' the Bell Cleaning Company, a dry-cleaning, dying, and fur-storage business, which occupied the building through 1980.

Erected by City of Riverside. (Marker Number 92.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Riverside Cultural Heritage Board Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 33° 58.644′ N, 117° 22.739′ W. Marker is in Riverside, California, in Riverside County. It is in Downtown Riverside. It is at the intersection of Market Street and 13th Street on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4336 Market Street, Riverside CA 92501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Inland Empire,

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also in

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the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Tetley Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); The De Anza Statue and Newman Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grant Elementary School (approx. 0.2 miles away); John G. Gabbert (approx. 0.2 miles away); M. H. Simons Undertaking Chapel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Riverside County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Riverside County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Shiels House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.

Regarding J.R. Willis Building (1927). G. Stanley Wilson designed this 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival style commercial building for the Bell Cleaning Company, a dry-cleaning business.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026

2. J.R. Willis Building Marker

Plaque is to the right of the pharmacy entrance.

Artwork on north side of building, top image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026

3. Artwork on north side of building, top

View from south of Willis and Tetley buildings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 16, 2026

4. View from south of Willis and Tetley buildings

J.R. Willis Building (1927) Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Volt Craft, June 26, 2026

5. J.R. Willis Building (1927) Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. 5. submitted on June 29, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.