Peter J. Weber House: A Riverside Architectural Gem

The Peter J. Weber House, a designated Riverside City Landmark, stands as a captivating architectural anomaly born from the resourcefulness and artistic vision of Peter J. Weber during the Depression era. Constructed between 1932 and 1938, the house at 1510 University Avenue is a unique testament to Weber's skills as a designer and builder, showcasing an unusual blend of Moorish, Craftsman, and Art Deco influences.Weber, who served as the chief designer for architect G. Stanley Wilson, incorporated an array of salvaged materials into the home's construction, reflecting the economic constraints of the time and his commitment to sustainable practices. Bricks from the demolished Riverside High School, damaged in the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, form the exterior, while the interior features reclaimed hardware, decorative nail heads, and hand-carved woodwork. A circa 1935 solar-powered rooftop water heater was ingeniously crafted from repurposed car windshields.The house's design reflects Weber's travels and diverse inspirations. Moorish details, inspired by a trip to North Africa with his wife Clara, are interwoven with Tudor elements and Art Deco flourishes. The interior boasts custom wood walls that double as functional cabinets, quirky teal-painted detailing, and a mosaic tile-covered bathroom created from factory-second tile fragments sorted by color. The bedroom wing is accessed through this mosaic tile-covered bathroom, which was the last room to be completed.Originally situated on an 8.8-acre citrus grove, the Peter J. Weber House now finds itself in the unexpected location of the Courtyard by Marriott Riverside UCR/Moreno Valley Area hotel parking lot. Today, the Peter J. Weber House operates as a historic house museum under the stewardship of the Old Riverside Foundation. Visitors can embark on private tours, limited to small groups, to explore the house's unique features and learn about Weber's life and legacy.