CommUnify has purchased the former Grace Lutheran Preschool property in Santa Maria for $950,000 and plans to put a child care and early education campus in its place.
The nonprofit provides childhood education and social services to low-income families in Santa Barbara County.
It plans to renovate the former preschool at 420 East Fesler Street — which shut down in 2024 — with upgrades to four classrooms, a commercial kitchen, two play yards and an additional outdoor space.
Two classrooms will serve infants and toddlers, while the other two will focus on pre-kindergarteners.
According to CommUnify Communication & Outreach Coordinator Joni Kelly, project funding comes from a $1.3 million Infrastructure Grant Program award from the California Department of Social Services, as well as a $1,050,000 loan from the Low-Income Investment Fund.
CEO of CommUnify Patricia Keelean thanked the city of Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County and the state of California for their support.
“This is a tremendous milestone for CommUnify,” Keelean said in a press release. “We are grateful for their belief in this project and their understanding of the need to expand access to high-quality child care and early education for Santa Maria families during this time of uncertainty and budget cuts.”
Kelly said the work for the project will be “substantial,” and $2,500,000 of fundraising will be required to complete the project, including paying off the $1,050,000 loan.
CommUnify will be launching its fundraising campaign this upcoming fall.
“We look forward to involving the community in this important effort, and to showing the community the progress we are making, through activities like a groundbreaking ceremony and hard hat tours, as the building renovations advance,” Kelly said.
The building will be fully renovated by January 2028 for inspections, approvals and permits, according to Kelly.
She estimates the campus will be open by the end of June 2028, prior to the beginning of the academic year.
“We are excited to kick off our capital campaign to complete the project and look forward to the community’s support,” Keelean said. “And, once the center is remodeled and open, we are thrilled to provide job opportunities for local residents as well.”
