 This neighborhood can boast being the home of two very distinct landmarks. The first is Heritage House, a stunning example of late Victorian Architecture. Built in 1891, it was the home of Mrs. James Bettner, widow of an early citrus grower and founder citizen of the City. The home was purchased by the Riverside Museum Associates for restoration in 1969 and is today a museum reflecting a late 19th century orange grower's life.
The second, originally known as the Sherman Institute Protestant Chapel, this church building was dedicated in 1925. Interested in building a chapel for students at the Sherman Indian Institute, the Home Missions Council of North America and Protestant churches throughout Southern California contributed $32,000 for construction materials. Sherman Students provided all labor.
When Riverside was first founded, the Ramona area was part of the western edge of town. This neighborhood developed into one of the central areas in the City as it grew and is now the most populous neighborhood in the City. The neighborhood shows its age and its continued growth in the mix of traditional and modern street layouts and housing stock. The residential areas feature large blocks with small streets that weave their way into the interiors. The resulting effect of this design is to create neighborhoods that are very insulated from the busy streets that are just a block or two away.
Nearly a third of the homes here were built in the 1950’s and the large majority was completed in the 1960’s. There has been small but steady development and redevelopment of this area up to the present day. Ramona has limited commercial sites and is mostly medium-density residential blocks of various sizes. Along Magnolia Avenue, one can find a large number of apartment buildings. The California Baptist College has a large student population and the surrounding area caters to their housing needs. Magnolia Avenue crosses the eastern half of this neighborhood and contributes much to its character.
Council Representatives & Wards
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