The Torrance Civic Center has been an integral part of the community since its development in 1956. Originally comprising City Hall, a Police Station, and the Victor E. Benstead Plunge (City Pool), the Civic Center has evolved over time with the addition of essential public facilities. These include a Municipal Courthouse (now Human Resources Building), Library, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, City Hall Annex (East and West), and Police Headquarters. The State of California has also been a presence, operating a Superior Courthouse and Traffic Court/Probation Annex on-site since the 1960s, making the Civic Center a hub for civic activities.

With approximately 40-acres spread across seven parcels, the Civic Center is a significant part of Torrance's landscape. However, the aging facilities are now reaching a condition that necessitates either replacement or extensive refurbishment. Recognizing this, the City Council initiated the process of developing a new master plan to address the challenges posed by the aging infrastructure. The master plan aims to assess various factors, including costs, building conditions, operational issues, aesthetics, maintenance costs, and community programming needs.

In pursuit of a reimagined Civic Center, the City Council awarded a Consulting Services Agreement to Gruen Associates of Los Angeles, California. Gruen Associates will play a pivotal role in developing the Civic Center Master Plan and Economic Feasibility Study. This comprehensive plan will not only address the aging structures but also explore opportunities to efficiently utilize the Civic Center campus.

The master plan aims to enhance the Civic Center's functionality, creating a cohesive and modernized aesthetic appeal. Through a comprehensive public outreach program, the City of Torrance seeks community input to ensure the reimagined Civic Center meets the needs and aspirations of its residents.

The City of Torrance, in collaboration with consultants, is committed to realizing the community’s vision for a reimagined Civic Center. The Master Plan and Economic Feasibility Study will lay the groundwork for a new, modern center that provides space for community activities, aligning with Torrance's aesthetic aspirations and enhancing City pride. This transformation will carefully consider projected land uses, densities, economic returns, and the necessary Zoning and General Plan amendments. The Torrance Civic Center Master Plan will be a community-driven planning document that is poised to evolve our existing campus into a vibrant and sustainable hub, reflecting the values and aspirations of the community it proudly serves.

As an essential note, it's crucial to understand that the master plan represents the initial phase of a multi-step process to realize the campus's revitalization. This may include zone changes and general plan amendments before any aspect of the vision is materialized. The City of Torrance, alongside consultants, is dedicated to transparency and collaboration throughout this transformative journey, ensuring that the community's vision guides each subsequent phase of this exciting initiative. Join us in shaping the future of the Torrance Civic Center.

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If you have any questions, please reach out to

LandManagement@TorranceCA.Gov.