Remember! To vote for the GCC Board members or any other GCC business that requires General Membership approval, you must renew or complete a GCC Membership by March 31. To run for the Board of Directors, one must be a member for at least three (3) months. Click for additional Board Candidate information.
The GCC General Membership Meeting will be held June 21, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Del Mar Center in Sea Ranch. It can be in person or via Zoom (instructions will be available on the website closer to the meeting date).
April 2025 Letter from the GCC President
Hello Members,
As we enter the fourth quarter of this Boards term, I first want to thank Karen Russell, Barbara Pratt, David Fouts, Leslie Bates, Whyte Owen and Paula Smith for your dedicated service to the Gualala Community Center and the community.
Starting on April 29th, General Members that are interested in serving a two-year term on the Board of Directors are encouraged to turn in their nomination papers. You can find the specific information on how to file for election to a board seat on the GCC website.
With the current financial climate across the country, rising construction costs, the lack of funding opportunities on the Federal and State level has left the rebuilding of the community center on a path that has taken on many different shapes and direction. The current proposal to rebuild the center is the reduction in square footage to 5,000 square feet that will house a main hall, restrooms and kitchen. The projected cost will be $5.5 million dollars. The GCC currently has about $1.8 million dollars in the bank from insurance money, grants and donations. The GCC is currently applying for Federal and State grant opportunities to help raise enough money to build the hall. Reducing the square footage of the building even more to make it more affordable is another option.
I would like to thank the members of the steering committee that has been working diligently to offer other options to restore the facility. I appreciate the efforts of Ray Feeney, Nancy Howard, Adrian Adams, Cathe Barnes, Colby Bibb, Cathi Matthews, Susan Miletich, Janet Pierucci, Robert Ramers, Jim Brygh and Sally Shine for exploring many alternatives to rebuild the center.
At the May 13th Board of Directors meeting, the steering committee will be proposing a three phased approach to building a complete facility.
Phase #1 the construction of a 2,000 sq. ft. room adjacent to the annex to house the clothing operation.
Phase #2 the construction of a 2,800 sq. ft. main hall and restrooms. This room would be used for public and private events, community meetings and Coastal Senior spaghetti dinners and other senior support operations.
Phase #3 the construction of a 2,100 sq. ft. support building that will include a commercial kitchen.
The cost for each phase of the project and the ability to raise the money for the overall project is yet to be determined.
If you have any comments of questions about the rebuilding of the center and the two plans being proposed, please contact either a board member or member of the steering committee with your ideas. We would like your feedback prior to the May 13th Board meeting. Any project that is being proposed will be voted on by the General Membership through the mail-in ballot process.
Currently there are 90 General members that have not renewed their membership for this year. We need your input through the election process. If you have not renewed your membership for this year. Please do so.
Thank you for your continued support,
Respectfully,
Kevin Evans, President
Gualala Community Center Board of Directors
March 2025 Update
George Calys interviews Kevin Evans about Downsizing Plans due to Current Costs
George Calys
george@georgecalys.com
March 2025 Update
Project Update from Architect
Letter of Support from South Coast Fire Protection District
Historical Information about the GCC Rebuild
Timeline of Rebuild from February 2023 Fire to June 2024
Public Questions and Answers about the Gualala Community Center Rebuild *Updated December 14
Gualala Community Center Future Use Survey
* Public Input from the Del Mar Presentation
Gualala Arts Public Presentation
*Public Input from Gualala Arts Presentation
Presented by Architects James Leng and Jennifer Ly, the meeting agenda included introductions, history, a presentation of the design, contractor selection and the next steps.
Letter of Support from Timber Cove FPD
Gualala Community Center Design Short Video
Check out this short video of the 3D model!
GCC Design Photo Renderings
Press Release: June 5, 2024
Recording of the Gualala Community Center Design Presentations
A forum was held on Wednesday, June 5th from 5-7 pm at the Del Mar Center Hall to give the public a chance to learn about the design, participate in a Q&A, and to view photo renderings and the 3D model.
To view the presentation, please visit The Sea Ranch Forum webpage by clicking on this link.
Press Release: September 13, 2024
Community Center Demolition
After a lengthy delay to protect the beloved Swallows that inhabit our coastal area, demolition of the Community Center began on Sunday, September 17th. The timeline for completion will be approximately ten working days with two 40-yard dumpsters loaded and shipped to waste disposal sites per day.
Local contractor John Robertson is clearing away the charred remains of our community’s beloved building where so many great memories were created.
Press Release: September 13, 2023
Gualala Community Center announces architect selected for rebuilding project
Gualala, California – San Francisco based architecture office Figure, led by architects James Leng and Jennifer Ly, has been awarded the Gualala Community Center Rebuilding Project by the Gualala Community Center Board of Directors. The resulting unanimous vote came after a rigorous public request for proposal process led by the Gualala Community Center Rebuilding Committee. “The architect selection process was a pivotal step in shaping the future of the rebuilding project. The Board of Directors and its Rebuilding Committee interviewed several well qualified local and out-of-area architects, and several key factors were considered for selection. Figure’s vision, aesthetic, knowledge of our community, and above all, their passion and energy for the project resonated with everyone,” says Nancy Gastonguay, President of the Board.
The original 1954 community center building was lost by arson fire on February 14, 2023. As a focal point in the community, the facility hosted a variety of organizations and events such as the bimonthly Pay ‘n’ Take sale, Coastal Seniors, Lions Club and Rotary Club activities, and community performances. The replacement facility will be redesigned with updated programming, modernized energy, water-efficiency, resilience features, and compliance with current accessibility requirements. Gastonguay reflects, “rebuilding the community center isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about rebuilding the heart of our community and building a space where our community members can gather and create new memories. It’s important that this new community center is accessible and welcoming to all and allows for the flexibility required to adapt to the current and changing needs of our community.”
In addition to the rebuilding project, Figure is joined by San Francisco and Los Angeles based Landscape Architecture office Terremoto to reimagine the master plan of the Community Center Campus, which extends from the edge of Highway 1 into the redwood foothills towards the East.
Gastonguay says the ambition of the site master planning “extends beyond the blueprints and layout; it’s about crafting a vision for the future, one that combines functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics to create an inspiring environment for generations to come. Our goal in site master planning is to meet the needs of our richly diverse and ever-evolving community by designing spaces that are inclusive, adaptable, and reflective of our community. We want to create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued.” Gastonguay further adds, “The public engagement process is crucial as we recognize the urgency of expediting the rebuild. Involving the community in planning ensures that we incorporate their insights, needs, and aspirations, allowing us to make informed decisions and expedite the rebuilding process efficiently, with their support and trust.” The Board of Directors hosted a series of community meetings and online surveys to gather community input for the new center. Once a preliminary design has been created, a public meeting will be scheduled to share it with the greater community. The Board of Directors and the Rebuilding Committee will work closely with the architect and its consultant team in an expedited schedule that targets a construction start date in late 2024.
Press Release: June 3, 2023
Gualala Community Center Rebuilding Public Meetings
The Gualala Community Center will hold its third public meeting seeking the public’s input on the services, amenities, and design of the new community center. The meeting will also cover the current status of the rebuilding project.
- Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023
- Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
- Location: Veterans Memorial Building/Point Arena City Hall, 451 School St, Point Arena
Press Release: May 17, 2023
The Gualala Community Center will hold its second public meeting seeking the public’s input on the services, amenities, and design of the new community center. The meeting will also cover the current status of the rebuilding project.
- Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
- Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
- Location: Del Mar Hall at The Sea Ranch
Press Release: April 27,2023
The first public meeting has been scheduled as follows:
- Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Gualala Arts Center
The GCC Board of Directors and the Rebuilding Committee seek the public’s input on the services, amenities, and design of the new community center. The meeting will also cover the current status of the rebuilding project.