Heritage Court in Whittier Revitalizes Historic Fred C. Nelles School Buildings into Vibrant Mixed-Use Spaces

Whittier, CA – The Heritage Court project in Whittier proudly celebrates the successful rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings from the Fred C. Nelles School site. Bickel Group teamed up once again with Almquist Development and SWA Group for this transformative development which blends the preservation of early 20th-century architecture with modern functionality, offering new retail, restaurant, and community spaces.

Bickel Group’s focus on the thoughtful restoration of three key structures: the Administration Building, Superintendent’s Home, and Assistant Superintendent’s Home is the heart of the project. Each building underwent a meticulous rehabilitation process that preserved its unique architectural character while adapting the interiors for contemporary uses. These beautifully restored spaces will now house new bank, retail, and restaurant establishments, fostering economic growth and community engagement in Whittier.

In addition to the restored historic buildings, the project introduces a newly constructed Rodeo 72, the next location in the Rodeo Public Market group, a culinary hub designed to honor the site’s rich history. Inspired by the architectural elements of the original gymnasium building on the Fred C. Nelles campus, the food hall building seamlessly integrates classic design nods with modern construction techniques on the exterior with Architecture Design Collaborative designing the interior of Rodeo 72 to offer a dynamic dining experience, showcasing diverse local food vendors and creating a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Heritage Court represents a milestone in historic preservation and urban revitalization for Whittier. By breathing new life into these cherished landmarks, we not only celebrate the area’s history but also create spaces that serve the evolving needs of our community.  The Heritage Court project underscores a commitment to balancing preservation with progress, offering a model for the adaptive reuse of historic structures. By honoring the architectural legacy of the Fred C. Nelles School while creating spaces for businesses and residents to thrive, the project sets a new standard for community development.

Photos courtesy of Tony Wodarck Photography

Another Rodeo Joins the Collection

Whittier, CA - Bickel Group is thrilled for the opening of the next phase of buildings at The Groves which includes open plaza and site amenities as well as the building showcasing Rodeo 72 Food Hall.  The project honors the legacy of the historic Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility while introducing a vibrant, modern community gathering space that reflects the evolving character of Southern California.

As the architectural firm behind the shell structure, Bickel Group crafted an entry that pays homage to the original gymnasium from the early 20th century that was once located on the Nelles campus. Although the original structure could not be preserved, its architectural spirit lives on in the building's form and façade. As visitors move further into the site, the architecture transitions into a contemporary design language, characterized by a striking wood skeletal structure, natural wood siding, and a mid-century modern-inspired roofline. A dramatic aircraft hangar-style glass wall opens the entire building to the outdoors, inviting light, air, and energy into the space.  The building is rich with local artist creations including photographs and custom paintings throughout the inside as well as large graphic murals on the exterior of the building which embraces Whittier’s diversity and culture.

The exterior design further enhances the community feel with lush landscaping, ample outdoor seating, a playful game area, and a prominent, mature tree relocated from the original school grounds—an organic link to the site's rich past. 

Rodeo 72 marks the fourth installment of the popular Rodeo food hall series in Southern California. Bickel Group has worked closely with Almquist Development on the project, supporting the interior design coordination with Architecture Design Collaborative (ADC) and bringing to life another unique space that fosters connection, culture, and culinary exploration.

The Groves continues to transform the former state facility into a dynamic destination that celebrates Whittier’s heritage while providing a fresh vision for the future. With Rodeo 72, that vision now includes a welcoming, architecturally rich space designed for gathering, dining, and community.

Photos courtesy of Tony Wodarck Photography

Toes on the Nose at River Street

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Bickel Group is excited to celebrate their collaboration with iconic coastal lifestyle brand Toes on the Nose, helping bring their newest brick-and-mortar retail location to life in the heart of historic San Juan Capistrano. The store officially opened as part of the highly anticipated River Street Marketplace development - a vibrant, walkable destination blending local culture, heritage, and commerce.

Bickel Group worked closely with the Toes on the Nose team and Laura Brophy Interiors to ensure the space reflected the brand’s authentic surf-inspired identity while seamlessly integrating into the unique character of the River Street community.  The new store showcases a modern yet organic aesthetic, using warm natural materials, clean lines, and custom built-ins that invite customers into a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere. Every design detail—from lighting to layout—was thoughtfully curated to embody the adventurous spirit and laid-back luxury that Toes on the Nose represents.

River Street Marketplace, developed as a mixed-use destination, represents a bold vision for the future of downtown San Juan Capistrano, offering a curated blend of retail, dining, and public space. Bickel Group’s partnership in the project underscores their commitment to shaping innovative, community-centric environments that honor place and purpose.

 Photography courtesy of Tony Wodarck Photography

New Experiential Retail Hub Breaks Ground at Irvine’s Great Park

Irvine, California - Bickel Group is honored to play a leading role alongside, Almquist Development, C3 civil engineers, and SWA Group landscape architects in shaping a landmark that reflects both the innovative spirit of Irvine’s Great Park and the evolving nature of a flagship retail experience. The groundbreaking ceremony for The Canopy, held on April 24, marked the beginning of construction with WL Butler on what will become a vibrant hub for commerce, community, and culture.

More than a shopping destination, this new center is designed as an immersive environment—where retail, dining, and community engagement intersect. From open-air gathering spaces to carefully curated storefronts and sustainable, modern design features, every element of the project was imagined to foster connection and a sense of place.  As a firm, Bickel Group is passionate about crafting spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but that also tell a story and elevate the everyday experience. The Canopy at Great Park is a culmination of that philosophy—a design that serves both people and purpose.

This milestone reflects the collaborative efforts of our talented team alongside the City of Irvine, project stakeholders, and community partners. From concept through permitting, our integrated approach ensured the design was both creative and grounded in feasibility, meeting the complex regulatory and technical demands of a project of this scale.  The retail center is set to include a dynamic mix of tenants, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and landscape-forward design, aligning with the broader mission of Great Park as a forward-thinking destination for residents and visitors alike.

With shovels in the ground and a clear vision guiding the path forward, we are excited to see this bold concept take shape over the coming months.

Now Brewing in Ontario

Ontario, CA – Bickel Group is proud to announce the grand opening of Left Coast Brewing Co. Ontario, a dynamic new destination blending craft beer, a full-service smokehouse restaurant, a tasting room, and an in-house distillery. Located in Ontario, this is the third location by Left Coast which was established in 2004 and the first location in the Inland Empire.  The project reflects Bickel Group’s expertise in restaurant design and navigating complex regulatory requirements across multiple agencies.

Serving as the project architect, Bickel Group led the design and planning efforts, transforming the space into an inviting, open-concept environment that celebrates both craft and community. From design to final approvals, the firm coordinated with the local Building Department, Health Department, and California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requirements to ensure seamless integration of the brewery, kitchen, tasting, and distilling functions — all within a single cohesive venue.

The design features expansive glass showcasing the brewing and distilling efforts while glass, garage-style doors open between the group room and bar area, as well as between the interior and the outdoor patio, creating a fluid connection between the spaces. The patio itself offers year-round comfort with built-in heaters and welcoming fire pits, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Honoring Hobie's Legacy in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, CA - Bickel Group was proud to join the team to collaborate with Hobie Surf Shop on the brand’s newest brick-and-mortar location—marking an exciting new chapter for a company that has been a mainstay of Orange County surf culture for more than 70 years.

Bickel Group’s design of the building includes slot windows, a vaulted entry with surfboard display and a signature architectural feature—a series of large, curved glulam (glued-laminated timber) beams that sweep through the Hobie retail space. These structural elements extend the full height of the space, showcasing a blend of craftsmanship and coastal character. The beams and rest of the structure are left visible within the store, giving the space a rustic aesthetic that honors Hobie’s roots while creating a fresh and inviting retail experience. 

Founded in Dana Point in 1954, Hobie has long stood as a symbol of Southern California’s surf heritage, and this fourth location continues that legacy with a space that’s both timeless and forward-thinking. As Architect of Record, Bickel Group worked with the Hobie team to shepherd the project through construction detailing and permitting, ultimately helping to bring the vision of the new store to life.

Taking It Easy at Capo Leisure House

San Juan Capistrano, CA - After only a short time, Capo Leisure House has proven to be a standout destination combining craft beer, thoughtful design, and coastal country charm in the Los Rios District for locals and visitors alike.  The menu and events are certainly not to miss, and Bickel Group is proud of their role in the design, construction detailing, and permitting of the newly completed environment which required coordination and approvals with many city and county agencies as well addressing the appropriate historical context of the site.

At the core, the structure is a pre-engineered metal building, which Bickel Group creatively transformed to reflect the character and relaxed sophistication of its surroundings. The design incorporates a large, covered patio and expansive glass bi-fold doors, seamlessly blending the indoor tasting room with the outdoor experience—blurring the lines between brewery and backyard.  A custom fire pit, specialty landscape and gravel patio surface were used to soften the exterior patio area.

Inside, Capo Leisure House features a fully operational brewery helmed by the award-winning team from Bearded Tang Brewery in Stanton, known for their inventive, high-quality craft beers. The brewery setup was carefully integrated into the design, offering both operational efficiency and visual transparency for guests.

Here Studios took the lead on interior finishes, and through the team collaboration, the space is infused with coastal country vibes that pay homage to the unique charm and heritage of San Juan Capistrano. Interior touches include a library nook, custom lighting features, and architectural nods to local history—creating a space that feels as thoughtful and inviting as the beers on tap and the crafted cocktails.

Photography courtesy of Tony Wodarck Photography

Latest Rodeo Opens at River Street Marketplace

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Bickel Group teamed up with The Joy X and See Design Studios on Rodeo River Street, a bold new addition to the Rodeo Public Market brand which includes Rodeo 39 in Stanton, Rodeo X in Ontario, and coming soon, Rodeo 73 in Whittier.  Rodeo River Street is a dynamic new addition that is home to ten unique food vendors under one roof.

Serving up more than just incredible menus, this latest project celebrates diversity through design, with each vendor space crafted to reflect its own bold personality and culinary story. Bickel Group led the team, bringing a cohesive vision to the overall building while allowing room for ten distinctly designed environments to shine inside for an immersive and high energy experience.

Rooted in the Los Rios District’s historical heritage, the building’s exterior architecture pays homage to the past with a modern barn-inspired silhouette, rustic materials, and large open-air gathering spaces that feel welcoming and communal. Inside, the tone shifts to something more contemporary and unexpected—featuring neon signage, custom murals, and specialty lighting that give the space its distinctive urban flair.

Bickel Group worked closely with The Joy X and See Design Studios to detail the ten immersive environments within the market, with each vendor boasting its own identity through curated materials, custom lighting, and vibrant, Instagram-worthy design moments. The result is a food hall experience unlike any other—visually stimulating, culturally diverse, and deeply rooted in local storytelling.

Rodeo River Street is open and already bringing in the community with scheduled events and social activities proving it is not just a place to eat, but a place to explore, connect, and be inspired.

La Vaquera Open at River Street Marketplace

San Juan Capistrano, CA - Bickel Group is proud to announce its collaboration with renowned hospitality leaders Acme Hospitality and interior designer Doug Washington Design on La Vaquera, a vibrant restaurant located at the new River Street Marketplace.

La Vaquera celebrates the sun-kissed spirit of California through a bright and welcoming design which includes an indoor/outdoor bar, walls of operable windows, vaulted entry, custom light fixtures, and huge outdoor patio seating area. The restaurant’s interiors are an elegant fusion of clean modern lines and rustic warmth, thoughtfully curated to complement the farm-forward cuisine crafted by Acme Hospitality. The design honors the historic Los Rios district’s agricultural roots while embracing a fresh, contemporary sensibility.

Bickel Group worked to bring this vision to life with the construction detailing and coordination of many stakeholders including the detailing, permitting and installation of a custom wood-fire grill with 9 feet of grill space which is the heart of the kitchen, the menu, and can be viewed from the dining room.  Working with Doug Washington and Acme Hospitality allowed the team to shape an experience that feels elevated yet approachable, stylish yet soulful. 

La Vaquera is now open and part of the list of standout destinations at River Street Marketplace, a new hub for food, design, and community in south Orange County.

Photography by Wonho Photography

Starbucks Under Construction in San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA - Bickel Group is excited to move into the construction administration phase of a new Starbucks drive thru within an existing shopping center in San Barnardino that broke ground in February.  This new location is designed to meet the increasing demand for convenient coffee service for the local community while incorporating modern, efficient design principles that enhance the customer experience.  The drive-thru layout is optimized for smooth traffic flow, pedestrian access, and sustainability, aligning with the developer’s commitment to responsible development.

 Bickel Group worked closely with local agencies to navigate the permitting process and ensure the project met all regulatory requirements while maintaining the company's high design and drawing standards.

 Bickel Group is honored to collaborate with Fountainhead Development and Starbucks on this exciting project, delivering an architectural design that supports both operational efficiency and a welcoming atmosphere, while remaining focused on creating a space that seamlessly integrates brand vision with local community needs.

Bringing Open Space and Community to Ontario

Ontario, CA - The Grand Park is coming to life at the heart of Ontario Ranch, and it’s set to become a new focal point for family fun, fitness, and nature within the community. Spanning 340 acres over a stunning 3.7-mile stretch, this transformative park will serve as the region’s new epicenter for outdoor recreation, bringing abundant green space and exciting new amenities to Ontario, including a 5,000-seat amphitheater. Leading the design and planning of Ontario Grand Park is SWA Group, with Bickel Group providing critical architectural support to bring this vision to life.

Phase I of the project, covering 130 acres, kicked off with grading in October 2024, with a grand opening planned for November 2027.

Bickel Group is proud to be part of this incredible project, contributing our architectural expertise. Along with the amphitheater, we’re working on several key buildings to support the park’s operations, including a community hall barn, operational staff offices, and other essential facilities to ensure the park is successful for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates as this groundbreaking project unfolds!

Designing for a Healthy Community

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Bickel Group Architecture is pleased to see Fermentation Farm open for business at their new location in San Juan Capistrano.  The Bickel Group team worked closely with Dr. Yasmin Mason and Miller Contracting to bring this vision to life in a way that would support the brand’s core values.  As the project’s architect, Bickel Group worked to translate Fermentation Farm’s commitment to handcrafted, nutrient-dense foods and wellness into a dynamic space that enhances the dining experience while supporting the restaurant’s holistic philosophy.  Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interior in natural light, while an entire wall of windows opens fully to allow fresh air and natural ventilation to flow through the space, mirroring the restaurant’s emphasis on health and sustainability. With abundant outdoor seating integrated into River Street Marketplace, the space invites guests to enjoy a meal or kombucha in a bright, airy atmosphere that fosters well-being.

River Street Marketplace continues to grow as a hub for community-oriented businesses, and the addition of Fermentation Farm is an exciting addition in its development. With the restaurant’s focus on wholesome food and gut health, Fermentation Farm is sure to be a valuable addition to San Juan Capistrano’s vibrant dining scene.

Life Imitates Art in San Juan Capistrano

Bickel Group’s theory on 21st century retail design proves successful at River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano.

The goal: get people off their couch and off Amazon to engage with the physical retail world.  Bickel Group, with design partners SWA, RSM, and tK1sc, all supported developer Almquist in creating an environment unique and compelling enough to attract thousands on a sunny Sunday afternoon, even though only about half of the project’s tenants are fully open. 

The project sits on approximately six acres in the heart of historic downtown San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, CA.  With over thirty curated tenants in seven buildings surrounding a large “central green, the project took nearly three years to construct but is now open to the public allowing them to enjoy six restaurants and a dozen or so retail shops. Remaining tenants will continue to open weekly.

Bickel Group is proud to have helped bring Almquist’s vision to life and to have been part of such a dynamic and progressive-design-focused team of consultants. The result is a place the community has clearly immediately accepted and will continue to enjoy for generations to come.

 Contact Bickel Group to learn more about 21st century retail design theory and how we can help take a vision from concept, to rendering, to real life.

Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership with Lancaster Baptist Church

Lancaster, CA – Bickel Group Architecture proudly celebrates two decades of collaboration with Lancaster Baptist Church, a partnership marked by innovation, community impact, and spiritual growth. Over the past 20 years, Bickel Group has provided long term master planning and architectural services to support the church's expanding mission and diverse programs. 

As Lancaster Baptist Church continues to grow in service to its congregation and the broader community, Bickel Group has been instrumental in designing and implementing a strategic expansion of the campus. Notably, the firm has overseen significant enhancements to the existing auditorium/sanctuary, ensuring it meets the current and future needs of a vibrant and expanding worship community.

In response to the church's commitment to children and families, Bickel Group has successfully repurposed the original 30 year old worship center into the dynamic Kid City. This dedicated space offers a safe and engaging environment for children, fostering their spiritual growth and development.

Additionally, Bickel Group has worked on the site’s West Coast Baptist College, including a multi-purpose building that features a basketball arena, fitness gym, restaurant, library, and other essential resources, providing students with a comprehensive environment for both academic and recreational pursuits.

The 20 year partnership with Lancaster Baptist Church has been a rewarding journey for Bickel Group Architecture as we have been challenged to create innovative architectural experiences while being good stewards with the church’s budget and resources. We are honored to contribute to their vision of serving the community and meeting the needs of their growing congregation.

Bickel Group Architecture remains committed to its vision of creating dynamic and engaging spaces that enhance the lives of individuals and communities. The firm looks forward to continuing its partnership with Lancaster Baptist Church and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the future.

Elena Mashin Promoted to Senior Project Manager

Newport Beach - Bickel Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Elena Mashin to Senior Project Manager, recognizing her outstanding contributions and dedication over her nine years with the firm. Throughout her tenure, Elena has worked on a diverse range of projects, showcasing her versatility and expertise in managing both large scale developments and smaller projects.  Her commitment to meeting and exceeding client expectations has consistently resulted in successful project outcomes, earning her the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.

 Elena's promotion underscores Bickel Group Architecture's dedication to excellence and its investment in the professional growth of its team members and the firm looks forward to seeing her continue to excel in her new role.

The Terraces at Walnut

Walnut, CA– Bickel Group Architecture is proud to announce the imminent completion of The Terraces at Walnut commercial center that will serve as a vital hub for the surrounding housing development of over 200 single-family homes and 79 townhome units. The project, which commenced in 2018, consists of three buildings which will offer a range of restaurants, shopping, and services that cater to the growing community, creating a vibrant atmosphere that complements the new housing development.

The Terraces at Walnut Center showcases innovative architectural design that emphasizes a diverse color palette and thoughtful design elements, creating an engaging and inviting environment for residents and visitors alike. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also fosters a sense of community within the development.  This project exemplifies Bickel Group’s commitment to quality design and dedication to creating spaces that enhance the lives of the people who use them. We are proud to partner with Sunjoint Development and Consolidated Contracting Services to bring this vision to life.

The Terraces at Walnut is set to become a cornerstone for the area, providing not only convenience but also a welcoming space for social interaction and local commerce.  As construction wraps up, Bickel Group Architecture invites the community to join in celebrating the completion of this exciting project.

Bickel Group Architecture Celebrates 15 Years of Collaboration with McDonald's

Southern California – Bickel Group Architecture proudly marks a 15 years of partnership with McDonald’s, highlighted by innovative design and significant contributions to the brand's expansion throughout Southern California.

The collaboration began in 2009 with Bickel Group’s first ground-up project, paving the way for a fruitful relationship that has since included new buildings as well as rebuilds and remodels of almost 400 McDonald’s locations in the region.  Throughout the years, Bickel Group has worked closely with the McDonald’s team and stakeholders to enhance the customer experience through thoughtful renovations and updates that align with the brand’s commitment to quality and service. Each project has focused on modernizing dining spaces, bettering the customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring McDonald’s remains a valued community member for each neighborhood they’re located in.

Bickel Group has been fortunate to collaborate on some unique and sometimes challenging sites which utilized their creativity including a mid-century modern style rebuild in Buena Park that was almost double the size of a traditional McDonald’s restaurant, a rural more country-style small format store in Alpine, a two-story store in North Hollywood, and even a LEED certified building.

As McDonald’s continues to innovate and constantly adapt to customer needs, Bickel Group remains dedicated to providing cutting-edge architectural solutions that align with the brand’s vision for growth and sustainability in the quick-service restaurant sector.

Beach Boulevard McDonald's Opens

Buena Park, CA – The Beach Boulevard strip just got a little more exciting with the grand opening of this new and improved McDonald’s!

Bickel Group was thrilled to team up once again with the McDonald’s team on this amazing rebuild just steps away from the famous Knott’s Berry Farm. Over the last five years, our team has worked closely with the City of Buena Park to refine and perfect the design. By pulling inspiration from mid-century modern architecture, we were able to break the mold and create a modernized McDonald’s like no one has ever seen.

Bickel Group is extremely proud of the end result, and is excited to see this McDonald’s bring new life to Beach Boulevard. A big thanks to the McDonald’s team and West Coast Construction for all of their hard work!

Riverside Restaurant Building

A Bickel Group designed contemporary restaurant building that celebrates interplay of a curving façade with a traditional cubist massing is well underway in Riverside, CA.

A multi-tenant end-cap building with a drive-through, the building is approximately 4,400 square feet and will be home for three restaurant tenants.  Tenants under lease so far include Mountain Mike’s Pizza and Mojo’s coffee.

Completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 and we look forward to seeing this one to the finish line.

Dermacare Grand Opening

San Juan Capistrano, CA –  Well-known throughout the greater San Diego area, Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinic is excited to be opening up their newest location in Orange County.

 Bickel Group had the pleasure of working with Dr. Birchall and the Dermacare team for this remodel. We worked side by side to transform what was once a dated office space into a newly renovated, high luxury clinic where clients can enjoy skincare and cosmetic treatments. When it came time for construction, we could not have asked for a better partner than the general contractor Commercial Builders Inc.; their team worked swiftly to turn our designs into a reality.

As evidenced at the Grand Opening, we could not be more thrilled with the end result. We hope Dermacare settles in nicely to their new space, and hope to continue our partnership on future expansions