After four years, the Louise Lowry Davis Center in Santa Barbara is poised to reopen.

The City of Santa Barbara will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The building was renovated to serve as a more “functional, accessible and comfortable space for community programs, services and events.”

“After a long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and project funding shortfalls that delayed completion of the project, we are very pleased to provide the community with a beautifully renovated facility that will continue to serve as a senior programs location as well as a community gathering and celebratory space,” said Jill Zachary, director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

The center was built in 1923. The renovation includes, according to the city, a more open and flexible floor plan and the installation of new doors, double-pane windows, and heating and air conditioning systems, as well as an enhanced, enclosed courtyard and accessibility improvements.  

The project was funded by $1.5 million in Measure C funds and $350,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. 

In a news release, the Parks and Recreation Department said it aims to have the facility serve as a destination for senior programming and services in Santa Barbara.

The department also said it is seeking partners to expand the offering of free programs and services available at the community center.

Interested service providers focused on senior populations are invited to contact Recreation Manager Rich Hanna at rhanna@santabarbaraca.gov to learn more.

The facility can be reserved for public or private events of up to 114 people.

“I’m very excited about the remodel because the center has served as a great resource for the community for decades and will now continue to serve as a public meeting space for events and activities for decades to come,” Councilman Oscar Gutierrez said, adding that the main room is named after Larry Crandell, who was one of his mentors.

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse said the center is a key part of the community.

“The Louise Lowery Davis Center is an essential facility for our Parks and Recreation senior programs as well as many community functions such as retreat meetings, architectural charrettes, youth group gatherings and general assemblies,” Rowse said. “The building is just over 100 years old, and these upgrades ensure its usefulness as a major community asset for years to come.”