It has served as offices for its owners, the San Bernardino Municipal Water District on and off throughout the years, as well as having been an active fire station and a temporary home for a variety of other programs. After being abandoned in 2008 it became the target of vandals, who stripped it of copper and left large holes in the walls. The building needed new plumbing, new wiring, and a lot of patching and painting among other things. The hard working board of the San Bernardino Valley Concert Association secured a 99 year lease for $1 a year, rolled up their sleeves and began the process of renovation. Eight months later with the help of countless volunteers, the doors opened to the public on November 14th, 2015. Guests were greeted with a live musical performance by The Corona de Angeles Youth Mariachi Band, an art show by area middle and high schools, food donated by local resaturants, and tours of the building. The mood was jubliant, and it was standing room only for the building’s dedication. The center has been renamed, “The San Bernardino Garcia Center for the Arts.”

Congratulations to the San Bernardino Valley Concert Association on a job well done!

The building is located at the corner of E Street and 11th Street in the city of San Bernardino.