Renovated community center place for public meetings
Generations of kids who grew up in San Benito County remember
the San Juan Bautista Community Center as a place to roller skate,
a place that looked like kids had been crashing into each other for
a few years.
Renovated community center place for public meetings
Generations of kids who grew up in San Benito County remember the San Juan Bautista Community Center as a place to roller skate, a place that looked like kids had been crashing into each other for a few years.
But the community center today is one of San Benito County’s most impressive public places. The building down the street from Mission San Juan Bautista today sports a professional kitchen, fireplace, gleaming hardwood floors, and a “vacancy” sign.
Former San Juan Councilman Pat Garrett donated his services as general contractor for a recent refurbishment of the historic structure.
Funded with $200,000 in funds from state parks and $100,000 in local funds, the center today is coated in a palette of paints that highlights its architecture. Interior walls were removed to create a more open space and to feature a large fireplace and new stage. Tiffany-style light fixtures illuminate the space.
Until the recent renovation, the center even lacked heat, but that’s been resolved, according to Trish Paetz of the San Juan city staff.
The center is being used for a number of local gatherings, but it is available for rent as well, Paetz said.
The building accommodates up to 200 people, and can be booked by calling San Juan City Hall at 623-4661.
