Hebbron Family Center

Working with the City of Salinas’ representative, Griffin Structures, for a project to demolish and replace an existing Hebbron Family Center (HFC), ABA conducted extensive community outreach and visioning prior to developing a conceptual design and bridging documents to hand off to the selected design/build team.

Our work was rooted in recognizing the vital role the HFC has played in East Salinas’ Hebbron Heights for 60 years. Through its diverse programming, the cherished community center has positively impacted the neighborhood through lively cultural events, food programs, opportunities for youth development, and more. Its success as a local landmark and resource has not only benefited residents’ personal health and wellbeing but has been credited with decreases in neighborhood crime rates.

“This building is a cornerstone for that neighborhood,” says Kristan Lundquist, Salinas’ library and community services director, noting it offered about 100 programs per month—including early education, after-school programs, sports and more. [Monterey County Now]

Given its age and structural deficiencies, the HFC was identified as a top priority for replacement during the extensive 18-month public engagement process driving a citywide improvement program. Drawing on further public engagement, ABA developed a conceptual design for a lively new 7,800-sf center inspired by the colors and motifs of Mexican culture. The site program is comprised of a central courtyard, multiuse sports court, and entry plaza that bridges exterior spaces with the center’s interiors. Inside, our design lays out a variety of spaces including meeting rooms, multipurpose rooms, offices, kitchen, teen lounge/activity space and associated support areas.

Following our completion of the bridging documents, the City selected LDA Partners and Diede Construction for the project's design/build implementation.