HEW Renew has released its Phase 1 Findings Report, summarizing five months of “Listen & Explore” engagement and marking the first major milestone in a community-inspired process to reimagine the long-vacant historic HEW complex on Willow Valley Road. The full report is available at www.hewrenew.com/data.

The report captures input from more than 300 Nevada City residents, neighbors, and stakeholders about the future of the historic HEW complex gathered through direct community engagement, a Community Needs Assessment Survey (272 responses), and 11 on-site focus groups. It is not a finished plan, a vote, or a mandate, but a clear record of community needs, values, and concerns that will guide the next phase.

Key findings include:

  • Housing emerged as the most consistent community priority and the most realistic primary use for the site—particularly housing that serves seniors, young adults, families, local workers, creatives, and vulnerable residents who are being priced out.
  • Participants also called for complementary community elements: accessible green spaces and trails, gathering places to foster connection, and limited professional or service uses that support daily life.
  • Strong and repeated values surfaced around preserving Nevada City’s small-town character, protecting the historic buildings, ensuring ecological sensitivity, and avoiding another decade of vacancy and blight.

Concerns were equally clear and consistent:

  • Traffic impacts on Willow Valley Road, particularly between Lewis Road and Nevada Street
  • Wildfire and evacuation safety in a high-risk zone
  • Maintaining the neighborhood’s rural feel and charm

Many participants emphasized the importance of continuing a transparent community dialogue with strong communication as concrete options are developed.

With Phase 1 complete, HEW Renew is moving into Phase 2, “Formulate & Select.” HEW Renew will work with the community to further develop and evaluate a small set of housing-led concepts—addressing unit types, target residents, financial viability, placement to minimize impacts, and alignment with community priorities like safety, compatibility, and historic/ecological respect.

To get involved, email info@hewrenew.com, sign up for updates, and learn about upcoming focus groups at www.hewrenew.com.

HEW Renew thanks everyone who contributed—especially those who brought thoughtful questions and diverse perspectives. Your continued input will help transform shared needs into viable, supported solutions for this vital local landmark.