THE HEW RENEW
PROCESS
Nevada City deserves a space that is safe, beautiful, useful, and most importantly, an expression of our community.
The HEW Renew is a process of community collaboration. It is an inclusive conversation that invites participation at multiple levels of input and across multiple phases to evolve and refine an end project that is driven by the will of the people and fulfills the site’s highest and best use.
After years of careful consideration and several unsuccessful proposals, local owner and builder Bill Litchfield has chosen to do what few in the industry ever conceive of, relinquish exclusive creative control and invite the community of Nevada City to assist in the design process.
The HEW Renew process promotes community collaboration through a structured four-phase approach:
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Phase 1 is our blank slate, we reach out to a broad base of stakeholders to gather diverse feedback and ideas. At this point anything goes/sky’s the limit.
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Phase 2 refines this input into several detailed, viable concepts, which are presented back to stakeholders for further insights.
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Phase 3 focuses on developing 1-2 prototypes based on stakeholder feedback, including assessments of feasibility, marketability and neighborhood impact. These prototypes are then reviewed by the stakeholder groups for further comments and input.
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Phase 4 culminates in a town hall meeting where the Community and Economic Development committee shares the process, findings, and final concept with the public, inviting additional feedback to ensure the project meets the highest community needs and goals.
In the end, we believe we can deliver a project that honors Nevada City’s past and unlocks the potential of it’s future.
THE HEW BUILDINGS
BACKGROUND
&
CONTEXT
Located at 10433 Willow Valley Road in Nevada City, California, this property originated as the Nevada County Hospital. The hospital was the second oldest hospital in California and served the residents of Nevada County from 1860 to 1973.
Following that period, the buildings transformed into Nevada County’s Health, Education, and Welfare facility, a role it maintained until 2006.
Over the years, the historic complex has undergone significant expansions and renovations, resulting in a substantial 39,000 square foot complex. It features four wings: one single-story wing, one two-story wing, and two three-story wings.
Historic preservation is a core value of the HEW Renew process. Fortunately, the buildings are impressive and structurally sound; walls made of poured-in-place concrete, timber roof structure, and fully equipped with fire sprinklers.
The HEW complex currently sits on a 12-acre site. Having fulfilled its mission since 1860 for 113 years, it now awaits a new chapter.
RESOURCES
Click here for news, articles, videos and other media information about the HEW Renew Process
Click here for access to questionnaires, surveys, or for summaries and analysis of our results
Follow the timeline and learn how you can participate in and support the process
GET SOCIAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much would it cost to remove the historic HEW Buildings?
According to a study commissioned by the County in June of 2006 and performed independently by Development Venture Professionals Associated, INC., “The buildings requires $2.25 million to demolish.”
Will my personal information provided via surveys or otherwise be shared?
Information received through surveys and/or focus groups will not be shared beyond this process. No personal information will be shared nor sold. Your privacy is of utmost importance and will be respected. You are welcome to read our full Privacy Policy.
Is this a housing project and how many units of housing are being proposed to be built?
Currently, there is no proposal. The owner is committed to a community inspired approach and is working through a collaborative process that will lead to a project proposal driven by community input.
