City of Reno, NV
03/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/17/2026 11:38
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Renovations at Historic California Building
Renovations at the historic California Building at Idlewild Park are officially complete, and the City is celebrating with a ribbon cutting ceremony! The celebration will take place on Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at the building located at 75 Cowan Drive.
The California Building is frequently used for recreational programs, community events, and both K-12 and university educational programs. Due to its popularity, the property has experienced significant wear and tear.
Renovations to the California Building began in September 2025. This project focused on improvements to the interior and exterior of the California Building, including upgrades to the kitchen and restrooms, office renovations, replacement of flooring, repainting, exterior concrete patio improvements, and the addition of a shade structure. In addition, the building received a new HVAC system that provides air conditioning to keep the building cool.
This project cost approximately $900,000 and was funded through the Economic Development Initiative Community Project Funding Grant, designated by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, as well as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
"We are extremely grateful to our senators for securing federal funding and city staff for successfully receiving grant funding to bring these upgrades to the California Building," said Vice Mayor Miguel Martinez. "I hope residents and visitors enjoy the new updates for years to come."
The public can book the California Building for birthday parties, weddings, meetings, and other special events. Please call (775) 334-2262 for pricing and availability.
Background on the California Building:
Built in 1927, the historic California Building has long served as a gathering place for weddings, celebrations and community events in Reno. The Mission Revival-style structure was originally built for the Transcontinental Highways Exposition. In 1938, the American Legion donated the building to the City of Reno, dedicating it to honor fallen military members. The California Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and on the City's historic register in 1998.
The California Building is frequently used for recreational programs, community events, and both K-12 and university educational programs. Due to its popularity, the property has experienced significant wear and tear.
Renovations to the California Building began in September 2025. This project focused on improvements to the interior and exterior of the California Building, including upgrades to the kitchen and restrooms, office renovations, replacement of flooring, repainting, exterior concrete patio improvements, and the addition of a shade structure. In addition, the building received a new HVAC system that provides air conditioning to keep the building cool.
This project cost approximately $900,000 and was funded through the Economic Development Initiative Community Project Funding Grant, designated by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, as well as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
"We are extremely grateful to our senators for securing federal funding and city staff for successfully receiving grant funding to bring these upgrades to the California Building," said Vice Mayor Miguel Martinez. "I hope residents and visitors enjoy the new updates for years to come."
The public can book the California Building for birthday parties, weddings, meetings, and other special events. Please call (775) 334-2262 for pricing and availability.
Background on the California Building:
Built in 1927, the historic California Building has long served as a gathering place for weddings, celebrations and community events in Reno. The Mission Revival-style structure was originally built for the Transcontinental Highways Exposition. In 1938, the American Legion donated the building to the City of Reno, dedicating it to honor fallen military members. The California Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and on the City's historic register in 1998.
City of Reno, NV published this content on March 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 17, 2026 at 17:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]