Orcas Senior Center charts exciting future for its newly acquired building

||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER |||

Orcas Senior Center (OSC) has officially taken full ownership of its building after purchasing the remaining 49% share from San Juan County in October 2024.

Now, the focus shifts to the future—ranging from essential maintenance, like a roof replacement, to potential renovations such as a cozy common area, a second multi-purpose room, and improved restrooms.

To ensure thoughtful development, OSC has been actively gathering input from its members and the wider community. This valuable feedback, alongside insights from OSC staff, board members, and local stakeholders, is guiding professional architects in crafting renovation scenarios for a long-term vision of how the building could evolve over the next five to six years. This collaborative planning process began in March and will take four to six months.

As a nonprofit without government funding, OSC is prioritizing strategic financial planning. Once the initial renovation concepts are created, further community input will help shape a final renovation plan and budgeting strategy. This will ensure a realistic and sustainable approach to improvements, one that prioritizes community needs, minimizes disruptions to services, and strategically phases renovations to manage costs effectively.

The future of Orcas Senior Center is bright, and with the support of the community, this transformation will ensure a welcoming and functional space for years to come. Check out our website at www.orcasseniors.org for updates, and for opportunities to share your input and help shape the next chapter of OSC! You may also donate to our Capital Improvement Fund at www.orcasseniors.org/building.