Centro’s Fresh Take on Infill Living

Tucked into one of Whittier’s most vibrant and walkable corners, Centro by New Home Company reimagines infill living with a hillside-inspired village of architecturally rich townhomes. Once a former Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery, the 1.79-acre site has been transformed into a community just steps from retail, restaurants, healthcare, and top-rated schools. The result is a neighborhood of 41 three-story townhomes that blend seamlessly into the existing area.

Centro’s location, adjacent to the long-established Friendly Hills neighborhood, sparked vocal opposition from nearby residents who raised concerns ranging from traffic to building height to the number of parking spaces provided. Despite the project meeting every zoning, traffic, and design requirement, including a reduced traffic impact compared to the former restaurant, the Planning Commission initially denied the proposal.

During a lively public hearing, two young Whittier natives stood in stark contrast to the opposition. They shared that they had grown up in Whittier but could no longer afford to live there—and that Centro represented exactly the kind of housing that would allow them to return, invest in their hometown, and start families of their own; their voices resonated. When the project went before City Council on appeal, one Councilmember emphasized that it was their duty to follow the science and the law while supporting thoughtful housing solutions. In July 2022, the project was approved.

The design team overcame a complex list of site constraints: a shared commercial driveway, zoning restrictions limiting residential use along Whittier Blvd., dramatic grade changes, and a required build-to line along the street edge. Instead of compromising the vision, these factors led to a terraced site plan with stepped floorplates, retaining walls, and a site layout that evokes a European hillside village in both form and character. Overall, the timeless design achieved 22.8 units per acre while maintaining a gracious scale and strong architectural identity.

Centro offers six thoughtfully designed floor plans ranging from 1,357 to 2,300 square feet, with 2 to 4 bedrooms and up to 3.5 bathrooms. Each three-story townhome includes a private two-car garage and dedicated outdoor living space, whether as a covered deck or ground-level patio. Inside, flexible open-concept living areas are offered to suit families, professionals, and multigenerational households alike. Many plans include versatile first-floor bedrooms perfect for guests or home offices, spacious kitchens with walk-in pantries and center islands, and primary suites with dual closets and en-suite baths. Select homes also feature loggias, tandem garages, and thoughtfully located laundry rooms to maximize both comfort and functionality.

Formal Spanish architecture, envisioned with input from both the city and the design team, establishes a cohesive neighborhood character. Stucco walls, S-tile roofs, brick and ceramic accents, wrought iron railings, and decorative wood details give each building a crafted, four-sided elegance. Front doors face the street to create an engaging, walkable urban edge, while terraced site walls and shared open spaces enhance the community connection. Amenities include a dog park, BBQ/picnic plaza, and landscaped gathering areas—offering residents welcoming spots to connect and relax.

Centro stands as a testament to what’s possible when architecture, community vision, and thoughtful infill planning come together. By honoring its surroundings while embracing density, Centro offers a place for Whittier residents—both returning and new—to call home in a community that’s walkable, connected, and built to last.

 

Hannah Cervantes