Renovation: State School & Correctional Facility to Commissary

Set within Whittier, CA this 75-acre development has transformed the former Whittier State School and Correctional Facility into residential, retail, and new recreational space at The Groves. The redevelopment of this historical landmark motivated SMS Architects to work alongside Brookfield Residential Properties, Environmental Science Associates (ESA) and the City of Whittier to design the new recreational space which encompasses from the renovation of the former Commissary and Chapel built more than 125 years ago to the newly renovated Commissary.

The Commissary is an 11,000 square foot community center restored from the former chapel. The project consisted of retaining and rediscovering the concrete arches, wood roof structure, brick veneer, and original fixed and stained-glass windows. We believe these architectural features enhance the modern experience of the new community living room, historic lobby, conference rooms, co-work lounge, game room, fitness center and pool. With the new electrical lighting, various articulated furniture elements, clean calm colors, and wooden accents have created a flexible, serene, intimate, open, and relaxed space that invites the community in from the busy atmosphere of the city.