Lake Elsinore Cultural Center Honored

The is an official historic landmark in Riverside County, and it now has a commemorative inscription to prove it.

Friday evening, a plaque honoring the 88-year-old building's status as Riverside County's historical landmark 87 was hung on the grand dame's exterior.

"The Cultural Center is an important part of the community," said Mayor Brian Tisdale during Friday's dedication ceremony. "I'm happy we can preserve this classical structure for our children and generations to come. I would like to thank the Historical Society for all their hard work in preserving the city's treasures."

With a push from the Lake Elsinore Historical Society, in October the Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the Cultural Center's designation.

The Cultural Center at 183 N. Main Street was originally constructed in 1923 as a Methodist church. The basement, which now houses the was used as a social center where church members would gather.

In 1994 the building was updated with lighting, video and cable capabilities.

The facility is currently used for public meetings and is available to anyone wishing to reserve space for meetings, classes and special events, such as weddings and receptions.

Friday's dedication took place in front of several dozen people. The event was followed by the city's annual celebration that saw over 1,000 people pour into historic downtown.