Lake Elsinore’s iconic Chimes building is being transformed into a business incubator and multi-use destination that supports entrepreneurship, workforce development, tourism, and local investment in Downtown Lake Elsinore.
Located at 201 W. Graham St., the revitalized space will house a business incubator, along with a coffee shop, Borsellino Travel, and an event and training center—all under one roof.
Originally constructed in the late 1800s, the Chimes building is one of Lake Elsinore’s most recognizable historic landmarks. Its adaptive reuse preserves the building’s architectural character while repositioning it as a catalyst for modern economic opportunity in the downtown area.
“The historic Chimes building represents opportunity,” Mercedes Borsellino, Chimes founder and CEO, said. “This space is about creating real pathways for entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses in Lake Elsinore, while supporting job creation and long-term economic vitality downtown.”
On Tuesday, February 3, Chimes and its partners hosted an Entrepreneur Kickoff event at the site, marking the launch of the incubator concept. The event brought together local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and economic development partners, and was held in partnership with the Emprendedor@s Program, Riverside County Economic Development Agency, the City of Lake Elsinore Economic Development Department, Bank of America, and the Chimes Event and Training Center.
The Emprendedor@s Program, led by the Asociación de Emprendedor@s, provides business education, technical assistance, and mentorship to aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. The program helps participants formalize businesses, improve financial readiness, and access capital. In addition, the Chimes Event and Training Center will host future training initiatives in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, the Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“Supporting entrepreneurship is essential to building a strong local economy,” Mayor Robert Magee said. “By investing in spaces like the Chimes building and partnering with proven programs like Emprendedor@s, Lake Elsinore is creating an environment where businesses can grow, jobs can be created, and downtown can continue to thrive.”
A grand opening will be announced following completion of final permitting and tenant improvements.
