Residents who attended a city-hosted public meeting this week overwhelmingly favored turning several historic La Loma Hilltop buildings into community-focused and arts-oriented spaces, signaling strong support for a community center, gallery and small-scale gathering uses as the city moves into the next phase of its long-term revitalization effort.
City officials gathered feedback on the future use of multiple facilities tied to the La Loma Hilltop project, including the current library building, Mission Church, the recreation center, and several historic cottages adjacent to the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center.
Among the most frequently voiced ideas was repurposing the existing library into a community center offering classes, meetings and flexible gathering space once a new county library opens nearby. Residents also expressed interest in transforming the former Mission Church into an art gallery, cultural venue or event and wedding space, while envisioning the hilltop cottages as potential coffee shops, galleries, nonprofit space or community gardens.
