NEVADA CITY, Calif. – August 24, 2026 – HEW Renew has launched an online Visual Preference Survey inviting community members to help identify design priorities for a potential future redevelopment proposal at the historic HEW property. The 12-acre site is located at 10433 Willow Valley Road, less than a mile from downtown Nevada City.
The survey is the next step in HEW Renew’s community-inspired design process for the long-vacant historic site. Building on feedback gathered through Phase 1, the Community Needs Assessment, and Phase 2 focus groups, participants will review visual examples and design concepts and share which features they believe would best suit the HEW site, its history, and the surrounding community.
Rather than asking residents to react to a finalized plan, the survey seeks early input while core design decisions are still being explored. This collaborative, proactive approach helps ensure that future concepts and proposals are informed by community values from the ground up.
“In addition to preserving and revitalizing the historic HEW buildings, the site has more space to help address the local need for housing,” said Bill Litchfield, owner of the property. “We see a real opportunity to create something special for Nevada City, and this survey helps us understand which design approaches would best fit the site and neighborhood.”
What the Visual Preference Survey Explores
The survey asks residents to respond to visual examples and options across several key areas:
- Building types and forms: Feedback on the type, size, form and density of potential buildings.
- Site layout and organization: How much of the site should be dedicated to homes versus shared, communal, or open space areas.
- Streetscapes and frontages: How buildings relate with streets, sidewalks, landscaping and parking.
- Architectural character: Which architectural styles feel right for this particular site and community — not just what’s attractive in general.
- Amenities: Priorities ranging from trails, parks, gardens, and gathering spaces to electric-vehicle charging, electric-bike sharing, covered parking, and other mobility features.
Survey findings will help shape a set of project design guidelines that will inform concept development by the property owner and project team. The guidelines will be shared publicly as the HEW Renew process continues, with the goal to ensure that any future proposal reflects the values, preferences, and practical concerns expressed by the community.
“Throughout the HEW Renew process, the community has given a lot of thoughtful, detailed feedback,” said Maggie Philipsborn, a HEW Renew facilitator. “This survey is another opportunity for the community to give their input on visual and physical qualities that will help guide a future proposal.”
How You Can Help
Community members can take the Visual Preference Survey at www.hewrenew.com or find it online at www.hewrenew.com. The survey will remain open through September 30, 2026.
Residents can also:
- Sign up for the HEW Renew newsletter.
- Follow @hewrenew on Facebook and Instagram.
- Share questions or comments by email at info@hewrenew.com.
About HEW Renew
HEW Renew is a community-inspired design process to preserve and revitalize the historic HEW complex, transforming it into a space that meets Nevada City residents’ needs. The resulting concept, refined through community input across four phases, will inform a development application for Nevada City’s consideration. Visit www.hewrenew.com for project history, survey data, focus group findings, and ongoing updates.