The Gerlinger Steel & Supply Company was originally founded by Fred Gerlinger, Sr., and his son E.E. "Burt" Gerlinger in 1929 as the Gerlinger Foundry and Machine Works. Today, it is one of the oldest companies in Redding. It has provided the materials for some of the most innovative and important projects in the region. A historic steam whistle or "hooter" can be heard at designated times from the roof of the building throughout the day.
Designed by San Francisco-based architect J. Lloyd Conrich, the Cascade Theatre is the best example of Art Deco architecture in Redding. The historic theater was built in 1935 and remains an important landmark for the city. The front facade of the building features a large marquee and vertical neon sign, as well as a relief frieze across the top that depicts figures working in various California industries. Cascade Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
The Lorenz Hotel was designed by Arnold & Barrett in 1901 and was built by Holt & Gregg Co. The hotel opened in October 1902 under the ownership of Susan Lorenz (1844 - 1925), a widow. Today, several businesses operate from storefronts on the street level while the upper stories of the building have been repurposed to provide affordable housing for senior citizens. The building was renovated in 2014 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Bank of Shasta County was built on Market Street in Redding in 1901 after previously being located on California Street since 1894. The Beaux Arts Classical building was designed by Henry H. Meyers. After the bank failed in 1911, the Redding National Bank reopened in this location later the same year. The Redding National Bank was then purchased by the Bank of Italy, which had been founded in San Francisco. The Bank of Italy later became the Bank of America. Currently, the historic bank building is in use by several different local businesses.
Founded in 1930, the Shasta Historical Society preserves and promotes the history of Shasta County. To this end, it offers education programs, publications, and houses an library and archive (containing 1,000 objects and 20,000 photographs) where visitors can conduct research about the county. The society also offers various historic walking tours in Redding. Since the early 1930s, the society has partnered with the Shasta Historic Park (located 6 miles west of Redding) in raising funds for the park's preservation.
Built in 1888, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge is the oldest building in Redding. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) was a fraternal organization. The local chapter began in Redding in 1878 with twenty founding members. The IOOF Lodge was recently purchased by the McConnell Foundation, which is working to restore the historic building.
Constructed in 1907 in the Romanesque Revival style, the Old City Hall is a historic building Redding, California. Its name clearly indicates its former purpose. Today, it is the home of the Shasta County Arts Council which strives to promote learning and cultural understanding through its various art programs, some of which are geared for education and others help support artists in the community. The building's facilities are available for rental for weddings or other events. Given its importance for Redding's civic life for much of the 20th century, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The historic Redding Fire House is located behind the City Hall building. It was built in 1939 in a style that was similar to Art Deco, known as Art Moderne. Hallmarks of the style include a flat roof, curved glass, and rounded corners. The Fire House was designed by the architectural firm of Masten & Hurd and it was completed as part of a federal Works Progress Administration project.
This historic Redding home was built in 1887 for the family of Edward Frisbie, a prosperous land developer, banker, cattle rancher, and entrepreneur. Frisbie's leadership and investment helped develop the town of Redding into a commercial center in Northern California. Frisbie built this Italianate style home on East Street for his second wife, Laura. It is the third oldest building in Redding, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
The Pine Street School Building was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style in 1921 by the architectural firm of Woolett & Lamb. For 45 years, this building served as a school for children. Thereafter, it became a commercial plaza featuring shops and restaurants, as well as a law office. The historic building continues to serve the town of Redding in this commercial capacity. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1894, this small Gothic Revival church is the oldest house of worship in Redding. It was originally home to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, known as "AME Zion." However, it has since housed other denominations, and it is currently home to the Light House Church & Ministry. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion denomination began in New York City in 1821 when a group of African-Americans walked out of a Methodist church service due to discrimination, and they subsequently founded their own church.
The Bell Rooms is a two-story brick structure that was built in 1908. Its name derived from its proximity to the signaling bell for the train tracks that were adjacent to the building at the time. It later became part of the infamous "Red Light" district in Redding during the 1940s. After the Bell Rooms building was saved from the wrecking ball by local preservationists in 2016, it was purchased by the McConnell Foundation, which plans to convert the property into a bike rental shop and cafe. The Bell Rooms building is one of the few remaining examples of brick architecture in downtown Redding from the turn of the twentieth century.
Bob and Ken Moore opened Moores' Flour Mill in Redding in 1974. Since then, it has been a favorite with locals and area chefs. In addition to selling non-GMO and organic stone-ground flours, Moores' Flour Mill sells products such as pasta, honey, molasses, Scottish oats, and homemade cranberry pecan granola. In 2014, the company purchased a second location with more space, while it continues to also operate its original store-front on Shasta Street.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This walking tour inlcudes a baker's dozen of landmarks, including the Cascade Theatre, Lorenz Hotel Building, Bank of Shasta, Edward Frisbie House, and AME Zion Church. The tour includes a stop at the Shasta Historical Society for those who want to explore the history of Redding even further.
