On Friday, Nov. 1, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz launched a new renovation project that will positively impact the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building (SCCVMB).
The club announced a plan to dramatically transform the building’s courtyard, which will transition the area to a new, functional event space. This will help further support SCCVMB’s missions to serve area veterans and provide a community recreation and cultural center for public use.
Concept Art for the planned renovations
To help fund the project, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz is inviting community members to honor a veteran with the purchase of a commemorative brick that will be placed permanently on site.
The brick is 4×8” or 8×8” and can be personalized with the veteran’s name, branch of service, and one of many special emblems. Bricks can be purchased starting at $125. General donations to support the project are also being accepted.
“The Rotary Club of Santa Cruz is honored to support the mission of the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building and provide a new event space for the community,” stated Ross Condit, club president. “The new space will serve not only as a place for community members to gather, but also as a way to honor those who have served.”
“We look forward to working with the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz to provide an additional benefit to the community while honoring area veterans,” said Ricardo Espinoza, SCCVMB president. “The updated courtyard will enhance the experience community members have when using our facilities.”
Bricks can be ordered online through December 24 at https://bit.ly/2CieF3c. The Rotary Club of Santa Cruz expects to sell 25 large bricks and 100 smaller bricks to support the project. Monies raised beyond this amount will go to bistro tables, planters, etc. to furnish the space.
Slatter Construction has taken on the project and construction is expected to begin after the first of the year. A rendering of the updated space was crafted by Timerie Gordon of Nielsen Architects. Gordon’s previous work includes Abbott Square in downtown Santa Cruz.
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The SCCVMB is a 501c3 nonprofit venue that provides services to area veterans and space to the community for meetings, classes, workshops, concerts, and other performing arts events. Registered as a historical landmark and built in 1932, the Veterans Memorial Building reflects the historic nature of downtown Santa Cruz.
The Rotary Club of Santa Cruz meets every Friday from noon — 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge. For more information visit santacruzrotary.com.