Navy Community Recreation Center

San Nicolas Island
Naval Base Ventura County

Brokaw Design is the architect, structural engineer and electrical engineer of the renovation of this 7,300 square foot conversion from a Navy galley to a Community Recreation Center on the Naval Base at San Nicolas Island. The center is the only food facility serving hundreds of military and civilian personnel on this isolated location. The facility must serve a variety of functions, including providing low-cost meals to service personnel, a bar, a restaurant with a variety of food options and a meeting place for people to play games, lounge, and watch evening entertainment.

The location provided many obstacles including a very windy and corrosive environment. Electricity was the only option for a completely new kitchen. All construction materials must be specially barged to the island from the mainland.

The building was originally built in 1952 and had been added on to and remodeling many times over the years. This project was a complete interior renovation, including a new, modern kitchen, a new bar, restroom renovation and variety of dining options, such as high-top tables, low tables and booths. The ceilings in the public areas will be removed to open up the space to more light and expose the precast concrete tees that form the structure. The design also includes a game room with pool tables and ping pong and a lounge.