Location: 4800 Magnolia Ave.
Date Established: 1924 (current version finished 1951)
Date Visited: 4/18/2014

The clock tower of the Arthur G. Paul Quadrangle.

Riverside Community College (RCC) first held classes in September 1916, making it one of the first community colleges (colleges that only offer the first two years of university education) in the United States (the first community college was Joliet Junior College established in 1902).

College professors from 1916

In 1921 the Harris Act established funding for junior colleges and RCC promptly started on the concept of the quadrangle to create a gathering place for students within RCC. The Quad, as it was first named, was designed by Arthur G. Paul who was the President of Riverside Community College District from 1920 to 1950. After Arthur G. Paul’s retirement in 1950 The Quad was renamed the Arther G. Paul Quadrangle in his honor.

A picture of the quadrangle shortly after construction in 1951.
A blast from the past (Digital Library Archives / Special to Viewpoints)

The initial estimate for completion of the project was $700,000 dollars, but at the time of construction (in 1923) the college only had $100,000. Due to the gap in funding the project was built in various stages. The first two buildings finished in 1924. The next round of construction came in 1928. In 1932 construction started on a third round of improvements but was halted due to World War II. In 1949 construction started again and finally in 1951, the current quadrangle was completed.

The architectural style for the quadrangle is inspired by 17th and 18th century Spanish and Italian designs. As such you will see many Moorish looking arches and a bit of flourishing curving accents. The floor of the quadrangle is built at different heights which seem to create different outside rooms that kind of make for an interesting extension of the actual classrooms. On many of the doors you will see plaques dedicated to past professors.

The seal of the Riverside Community College as seen on the quadrangle clock tower.

A view of the tree in the inner courtyard of the quadrangle.

These steps make for a natural amphitheater inside the quadrangle.

Another entrance to the quadrangle shows a Moorish arch mixed with Italian inspired columns.

Many gathering places are built into the quadrangle.

A view of the arches inside the quadrangle.

A plaque dedicated to Cecil Stalder, history professor on one of the doors of the quadrangle classrooms.

Another view of the clock tower and college seal.

Another view of the courtyard.

A sign that greets visitors coming from Magnolia Avenue.

A balcony inside the quadrangle.