In the late 1880’s settlers began arriving in the Perris Valley and Moreno Valley areas of Riverside County. John Butterfield’s legendary Overland Mail Company passed through what is now Perris Valley, threading through what is now Moreno Valley and up Reche Canyon into Redlands. The Perris Valley began to prosper with the completion of the California Southern Railroad. The rapid growth in the Perris Valley waned due to heavy storms washing out the tracks, causing the railroad to abandon service to San Diego. Prior to 1900, disputes over water rights and ensuing drought forced most of the residents in the Moreno Valley area to relocate.

In 1918, March Military Air Field was constructed, greatly influencing the growth of the valley. March Field was a training facility for fighter pilots, then closed in 1922, reopening again in 1927. For more than 70 years March Air Force Base enjoyed a long and active military history. In 1996 March was realigned as an Air Reserve Base, and is today a Global Port, attracting economic growth involving public and private development.

Attractive land prices in the area lured developers to purchase large parcels of land, then constructing homes and small commercial developments. The opening of the Riverside International Raceway in 1958 and Lake Perris Recreation Area in 1973 brought continued development. As the 80’s began, the valley experienced significant growth, signaling the start of a major transition from rural life style to urbanization. Riverside International Raceway closed in 1988, providing the opportunity for the Moreno Valley Mall and Towngate Development.

Rick Engineering Company’s Riverside office has been a part of this exciting expansion working on several major projects such as May Ranch, Moreno Valley Ranch, University of California Field Station, and the Riverside County General Hospital.