The Solvang Senior Center has made a significant achievement in its capital campaign, having reached the $5 million mark to allow groundbreaking on the construction of a modern community center.

The center has attained the level to fund construction of the building and continues to raise funds for the project’s final stages and ready the new center for program expansion.

The enthusiastic support from the community has set the stage for an enhanced and expanded facility that will cater to the evolving needs of its aging population.

The expansion addresses the demand for improved facilities, given that 30 percent of Solvang’s current residents are aged 65 or older.

With the county’s senior population projected to double by 2060, the new state-of-the-art facility is a major investment in promoting active and independent lifestyles for older adults, contributing to a vibrant community life in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The new two-story building of more than 5,000 square feet will replace the aging modular structure, doubling the center’s current size. The expansion allows for concurrent programs, accommodating the growing number of members and enhancing the range of services offered. The new space will also serve as a community asset for various events and gatherings.

Executive Director Ellen Albertoni expressed gratitude for the leadership gifts that were instrumental in achieving the $5 million milestone.

Individual and family donations accounted for 60 percent of the total funds raised, with notable contributions from Dr. Virgil Elings, the family of Ken and Lloyd Mills, and the Holzheu family.

Local foundations, including the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Hutton Parker Foundation, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, and Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, collectively contributed more than 30 percent of the campaign funds.

The city of Solvang has shown its commitment by contributing $450,000 to the campaign and allowing the center to move its operations to the Veteran’s Memorial Building during construction, ensuring uninterrupted services for members and the community.

The county has played a crucial role in fostering a thriving environment for the center for over four decades. In 2018, Supervisor Joan Hartmann and the county solidified their commitment by granting a new long-term lease. The forward-looking agreement solidifies the continuation of rent-free use of the site for decades to come.

The capital campaign began in 2019 with the Solvang Rotary Foundation and Solvang Rotary Club’s combined foundational contribution of $50,000.  In 2021, Montecito Bank & Trust signed on as the Lead Business Sponsor, propelling the campaign forward.

“These two key donations set a powerful precedent for our campaign, not only providing crucial financial support but also serving as an inspiration for other organizations and individuals to join in the mission of the Center,” said Linda Johansen, co-chair of the capital campaign.

Last fall, the Board of Directors and steering committee added $100,000 to their previous commitment of over $500,000. As of March, with those contributions of various sizes, the members of the center have exceeded that with $115,000 of donations.

The city of Solvang is completing the final steps to approve the construction permit for the new building. As the project enters its final preparatory stages, the Solvang Senior Center will temporarily relocate its activities to the American Legion Wing of the Veterans’ Memorial Hall in early May.

Demolition of the existing modular building will commence, and construction of the new facility is set to begin in early June.

The Solvang Senior Center currently serves 650 individuals, offering 20 weekly classes and activities, nutrition programs, community outreach initiatives, and educational events. These services will continue during the construction period.

For more information, visit solvangseniorcenter.org, email ssctr@verizon.net, or call 805-688-3793.