SPRING 2014
THE FUTURE FOR NELLES
For 123 years the site of the former Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility has been a curiosity to Whittier Citizens. Unless you’re among the few who have visited the campus, or worked there — or done time there — you’ve probably driven past the facility on numerous occasions, occasionally wondering what lies beyond those gates and the soaring screened fences. Although the institution closed in 2004 and film production crews regularly swarm the grounds, it still seems to be as offlimits to ordinary citizens as it ever was. But why? Here’s what we know: The entire 74 acre parcel is California Historical Landmark No. 947. Every assessment that’s been done confirms that there are eight historic structures on the property. No one disputes that. All eight are listed in the California Register of Historic Resources and are National Register eligible. In 2010, Brookfield Homes successfully bid to purchase the property from the state and since then has been working with the City of Whittier to formulate plans for development of the site. Envisioned is a mixed-use retail and residential project that currently calls for demolition of six of the historic buildings. Ownership has not yet transferred to Brookfield and will not do so until plans are finalized and an Environmental Impact Report has been completed and accepted. Then the Whittier City Council must approve the project and grant entitlements. As this process goes forward, debate about the value of the six buildings slated for demolition is likely. But only a handful of citizens have actually seen them, including three of our members who were shown the property three years ago before any development plans were formulated.
The Nelles Administration Building
Among the few that have seen the site, descriptions range from “magnificent” to “blighted.” We contend that interested members of the public need to have a frame of reference to decide for themselves whether they support or oppose preservation of the historic structures at risk. And yet, since development plans were initiated, neither the Whittier Conservancy, the press, nor any other civic group has been allowed to see the threatened resources. Over several months, both the State of California and the City of Whittier have denied our repeated requests for access. It’s certainly understandable that visits need to be orderly and that tours should be guided and monitored. But even small groups, like our seven-member Nelles Sub-Committee, which is studying options for adaptive re-use of the historic structures, are being denied the opportunity to see and assess in person the usability of the buildings. For the record, the Whittier Conservancy supports redevelopment of the property. We believe that adaptive reuse of the historic structures would, in fact, enhance plans for a successful retail and residential project. We also advocate for the inclusion of as many of the 500 (Nelles, continued on page 2) INSIDE: Eight Nelles Historic Buildings, pgs 4 & 5. Conservancy Receives Governor’s Award, back pg.! Reminder, Founders’ Day is May 10th at Central Park. See you there! 1