The California Correctional Facility in Norco, once a luxury hotel, is set to close in 2026, sparking discussions about its future. Before becoming a prison, the site was a luxury resort, sanitorium, and Navy hospital. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced the closure due to a declining prison population, marking the fifth closure under Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration. This move could save the state $150 million.
Norco city leaders hope to restore the facility to its former glory as an upscale resort. However, the plan faces several challenges, including renovating the Art Deco architecture and remediating asbestos. Concerns about the potential layoffs of correctional staff also complicate the transition. Norco Councilmember Kevin Bash, the city’s unofficial historian, described the site’s past grandeur, saying, “It literally could be the Mission Inn on a hill, looking over a lake, on hundreds of acres” according to CalMatters.
The site has a storied history, having opened as the Norconian Resort in 1929. It later served as a Naval hospital during World War II, treating polio and tuberculosis patients. In the 1980s, it became a medium-security prison. As the prison prepares to close, the city is exploring options for its future use, including a resort, hotel, or office buildings.
While the city is optimistic about restoring the property, labor groups representing state employees have expressed concerns about job losses. Some staff may transfer to other facilities, but the closure could impact the local community. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association criticized the closure, citing safety concerns due to reduced capacity as reported by LAist.
Despite these challenges, Norco officials remain hopeful about the site’s potential. “Overwhelmingly people want to reclaim the Norconian and bring it back to its glory days,” Bash said according to U.S. News. The city is ready to step in and seek investors to revitalize the property.
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