A higher-than-expected price tag has prompted the Solvang Senior Center to search for additional funding to keep its long-awaited new building project on track.

Earlier this month,  Senior Center leaders and representatives pleaded with the City Council for $450,000 to help cover a portion of the additional cost beyond the original $3.3 million.

The goal now has been increased by $1.1 million, Senior Center representatives said.

The additional cost has been attributed to a requirement for the building project to comply with prevailing-wage laws since the organization receives a below-market rental rate from Santa Barbara County for the land.

This could add more than $875,000 to the project cost.

Plans call for a state-of-the-art, 5,600-square-foot building at 1745 Mission Drive, with the facility designed to meet the needs of the growing aging community. 

“Our community needs this,” said Kathleen Campbell, a member of the steering committee for the Senior Center capital campaign. “Our independent active-aging adult community deserves this. Our project is shovel ready, but before we can start, we have to show we have the financial commitments to build the project.”

The Senior Center currently operates in modular buildings installed in 1983 — “and they were used then,” Campbell noted.

“It’s well-used. It’s in need of constant repair just to keep it safe,” she added. “It’s size limits what we can offer today, and I know you all agree our active aging adults deserve better than this.”

In 2018, the Senior Center board began efforts to get a permanent building, raising roughly $3.6 million.

“We’re asking Solvang to become a partner in this project, a project that is going to be right in the middle of your town,” Campbell said. 

Several members and supporters also urged the City Council to support the request, sharing what the center has meant to them and family members. 

“The Solvang Senior Center — this building is a place to go for support, activities, information, nutrition and social engagement,” said Jan Clevenger, Senior Center board member. “What bigger need is there?”

The Senior Center’s programs and activities promote healthy aging to help ensure people live independent lives, with more than 650 members. They serve more than 8,000 meals annually, hold more than 20 classes weekly, and provide thousands of opportunities to participate in activities each year. 

“The longer we can keep people in their homes, the better off they are and the stronger our community is,” Campbell said. “Our activities keep our over-65 ,and really over-55s, keeps them really sharp, their bodies healthy and their spirits soaring.”

The fundraising efforts included a $100,000 challenge pledge asking members to help out, with $40,000 raised in the first four weeks.

“They’ve requested the city contribute $450,000 to help close the gap between the amount they have now and the amount that they need to complete the building,” City Manager Randy Murphy said. 

The request came after the normal window established by Solvang for grant requests 

“However, given that construction cannot begin until the funding is secure and extended delays always result in additional costs, staff believes that the circumstances regarding the shortfall warrant council consideration at this time instead of waiting until the  spring. 

Staff asked the council for direction, adding they would return with a financial impact analysis and possible source for funding, which could include proceeds from the city’s Measure U sales-tax hike, according to Murphy.

“There is no question the community wants this,” Councilmember Claudia Orona said.

After receiving details from staff, the Solvang council is expected to formally approve the funding request at a future meeting, looking at possibly providing $90,000 annually for five years, instead of a lump sum.

In addition to seeking help from Solvang, Senior Center leaders will apply for a Community Development Block Grant through Santa Barbara County but won’t hear the results until spring.

Senior Center leaders hope to break ground as soon as this spring and open in 2025.

“We’ve been so ready to do this for so long,” Executive Director Ellen Albertoni said.

During construction, programs and activities will continue as much as possible in the nearby Veterans Building Legion Wing. 

Donations to the Senior Center project can be made by clicking on the “donate today” button and selection “support the building fund” via the Senior Center website at www.solvangseniorcenter.org.