Former youth prison in Chino eyed for homes, shops and urban farming
Chino is taking the first steps to transform a former juvenile prison into a useful community space after a recent state Senate bill paved the way for the city’s acquisition of the property.
After its closure as a juvenile prison in 2010, the Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility transitioned to an extension of the California Institution for Men as a reception center. Ultimately, the facility closed in 2017.
Though neither youth nor adult inmates have been housed at the facility since its closure, the property has been periodically used for training by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, officials said.
Chino began expressing interest in acquiring the property in 2022, according to city officials.
Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 536, co-authored by Sen. Susan Rubio’s and Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, which allows Chino to acquire surplus state property located within its territory and redevelop it for community-oriented uses. According to the bill, the state may lease or sell the 130-acre Stark property to the city.
According to a news release from Rubio’s office, the bill allows Chino to repurpose the Stark property to serve the community’s growing needs.
“I understand the importance of being able to decide locally what is best for our community,” Rubio said in an interview. “This land was vacant for so many years, and when we think of all of the uses that could potentially be a benefit for the community, it’s a win-win.”
Located at 15180 Euclid Ave. and across from the Chino Airport on Merrill Avenue and Euclid Avenue, the Stark facility, which first opened in 1960, had its share of scandal and alleged abuse over its 50-year tenure as the state’s largest juvenile prison.
The city plans to repurpose the property and provide opportunities for housing, commercial use, possible retail space and an agricultural education component.
“Imagine the former youth correctional facility housing a place that gives children the opportunity to learn about urban agriculture, sustainability, and self-reliance and develop an appreciation for farming and the outdoors from local agricultural instructors and mentors,” Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa said in the senator’s news release. “SB 536 opens the door to engaging the community in reimagining this important site into something that provides hope and reflects the region’s past and bright future.”
According to city officials, Chino has until Dec. 31, 2028, to negotiate and facilitate the purchase of the property from the Department of General Services, a state department that aids in acquisition solutions and real estate management, before any changes or improvement plans can be made.