In 2017, just before the Ojai Unified School District first opened up discussions for RFPs on the Chaparral campus, local architect Nicholas Oatway submitted a concept design he called Ojai Alive.
Nick wrote at the time that many ideas were shared from the community about the site. A public swimming pool, affordable housing, a hotel, a restaurant, work/live spaces for startup businesses and a community vegetable garden.
Everyone agreed future improvements should be designed with the latest environmental protections saving water, using renewable power generation and saving the existing structures where useful to maintaining the town’s character.
Nick states the challenge to the collection imagination:
- Make a place that promises and provides a lively, inclusive experience for everyone
- In concept and construction reflect the diverse culture and economic lives active in our valley community
- Make a beautiful place where people are drawn to a uniquely welcoming and safe small town atmosphere
- Make it a place to live, work, learn and play where the physical and social meaning of community is there for all to enjoy and experience
For a look at Nick’s complete submission, download the full PDF below.