In February 2023, a cherished community center in the coastal town of Gualala, California was burned with no clear motive. Now, just over one year later San Francisco–based architecture office Figure, led by James Leng and Jennifer Ly, and landscape architecture office Terremoto have officially presented their design for the rebuilding of the community center. The designs were shared publicly at a meeting attended by community members.
“Figure’s vision, aesthetic, knowledge of our community, and above all, their passion and energy for the project resonated with everyone,” Nancy Gastonguay, president of the board for the Gualala Community Center Rebuilding Committee, said in a press release.
The center’s campus stretches from the edge of Highway 1 into the Redwood foothills toward the east. Collaborating with Figure and Terremoto on the project are several engineering firms: Huffman Engineering & Surveying as civil engineers, Reese & Associates as geotechnical engineers, and Ware Associates as structural engineers.
Despite its tragic origin, the project is forward-thinking. Gastonguay hopes to craft a “vision for the future” that embodies “functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics… for generations to come.” For the rebuild, the Gualala Community Center Rebuilding Committee has tasked Figure with closely considering sustainability and inclusive design. Key goals include water and energy efficiency, incorporating resilience features, and meeting ADA compliance.
Figure’s current designs present a community center conscious of its environment. As depicted in renderings, ample amounts of wood extend throughout the center’s exterior and interior—a fitting choice given the thick groves of Redwoods in Gualala. The center itself will adopt a gabled silhouette. Inside, rafters lining the ceiling draw visual interest upward where a strip of skylights will be installed to draw light into the spaces. A cafe space decked out in pale sage green furnishings and decor offers views of the Pacific Ocean and mirrors the town’s forested landscape. The renderings also picture a generous outdoor patio that brings visitors close to the coastal landscape.
Throughout the design process, the committee has maintained its most important goal: re-establishing a gathering space for the community. Built in 1954, the previous community center hosted the bimonthly Pay n’ Take sale, Coastal Seniors, Lions Club and Rotary Club activities, and community performances.
Alongside the board, Gastonguay is committed to realizing this spirit of community: “Rebuilding the community center isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about rebuilding the heart of our community and building a space where our community members can gather and create new memories.”
