Whittier is a rapidly growing city located approximately 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles. It’s well-known for being the backdrop of several classic TV and movies, such as “The Wonder Years” and “Back to the Future”. In recent years, the region has become a tranquil suburb complete with a historical property, close-knit communities, highly desirable amenities, and a small-town feel. According to Livability.com, Whittier was once ranked as one of the best places to live in the nation. And because there are so many reasons to live in the city, many developers see Whittier as a massive opportunity for building new developments in the area. 

In fact, Costa Mesa-based Brookfield Residential and the Lennar Corporation, two of the largest home builders in the United States, recently announced a partnership to create a large-scale, mixed-use development called The Groves in Whittier. The joint project would not just transform small-town Whittier, it would also redevelop a former school and juvenile facility into hundreds of new residences, retail spaces, recreational facilities, and community service centers. The highly anticipated master-planned neighborhood would span approximately 75 acres, making it one of the largest remaining parcels available for development in the LA County. 

Courtesy of Brookfield Residential

According to Whittier Daily News, city officials, environmental activists, and even former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have hotly debated what to do with the youth facility since it’s closing nearly 15 years ago. California representatives originally wanted to sell the juvenile facility, a move approved two years after its closing in 2006. However, Schwarzenegger, under pressure from the federal court to put an end to overcrowded prisons, stopped the transaction to keep more prison sites. 

Even though new ideas for the facility were proposed in the following years—such as creating  a training facility or prison hospital—none of these proposals could make it past residents and officials. After a December court ruling last year to allow future development of the 126-year-old former school and correctional facility site, many residents, officials, and builders were relieved that the vacant area will finally become a new master-planned community. 

The massive project will blend together old and new aspects of the property, interweaving historic structures from the 1920s and 1930s with modern restorations. Of the new residences that will be built, 561 homes will be for-sale, while 189 apartments will be targeted exclusively for 55+ residents. An estimated 150,000 square feet will be dedicated to retail and commercial space, and the community will also feature several neighborhood parks, green spaces, recreational areas, a sparkling indoor/outdoor pool and spa, and even a dog park.

Dave Bartlett, Brookfield Residential’s Vice President of Land Entitlements, told Whittier Daily News that he hoped to break ground sometime this month. However, even if construction for the massive project started this month, builders would mostly focus on clearing out the site’s 68 existing structures to make way for the new development. The former Whittier State School and Fred C. Youth Correctional Facility would remain for historical preservation and restoration at The Groves in Whittier.

There will be a total of four historical structures, dating between 1919 and 1933, preserved as well. These buildings are the Administration Building, the Superintendent’s Residence, the Chapels building, and the Assistant Superintendent’s Residence. According to Bartlett, the properties will be redeveloped for “valuable community uses, while subtly integrating them into a wholly new environment.” The master-planned community will also include a pedestrian-friendly “Heritage Trail,” which is a 0.77-mile walkway that would connect the community to the nearby PIH Health Hospital.

Courtesy of Brookfield Residential

Not everybody is happy about the new development though. Many residents from the Whittier Voters Coalition have voiced opposition to The Groves due to concerns about the area’s increased traffic congestion, increased pollution, and the destruction of a “beautiful and historical” site. Moving forward, the group mentioned that it’ll ensure funds given to the Conservancy, a non-profit organization responsible for preserving historical structures, will be spent on community space.

“This is an exciting moment for Whittier,” Bartlett said in a recent press release. The major development would not just be put on the city’s tax roll after 100+ years, it would also boost the city’s economic development by adding new residences, stores, restaurants, amenities, and hundreds of employment opportunities. According to Councilman Bob Henderson, The Groves in Whittier is expected to generate Whittier over $1 million per year from taxes and revenue. 

Although the city offers everything from historic structures to a community-oriented atmosphere with a variety of resources, it sorely lacks the trendiness that other metropolitans have. The addition of a new master planned community might just bring to Whittier something it desperately needs—hip vibes and a more contemporary, modern feel.

The Grand Opening for the major development is scheduled for early 2020.