Fern Ridge Service Center Nears Completion
Posted: Fri, Aug 02 2013 12:00 am
Fern Ridge Service Center will open its doors soon!
In September, those who benefit from food aid and senior services in the Fern Ridge area will step into a brand new facility. The new Fern Ridge Service Center, designed by Scott | Edwards Architecture llp and built by Essex General Construction, Inc., is quickly nearing completion.
There will be a dedication ceremony September 13th at 10:00 am, and a Community Open House during the Harvest Festival (a fundraiser for the Fern Ridge Service Center) from 1-3 pm on September 14th.
Located near Our Daily Bread Cafe' and the new Transit Center, this beautiful building will further enhance Veneta's downtown. Â Additionally, it will enable the Fern Ridge Community, home to the 25,000 plus residents of the city of Veneta (population 4,500), and the unincorporated areas of Elmira, Alvadore, Walton, Crow and Noti, to better access social services.
Since 1972, Fern Ridge area residents have had access to a variety of social services under one roof at the Tony Garcia Service Center (soon to be renamed Fern Ridge Service Center). This center has offered food aid, financial assistance, referrals and other services to those in need.
The Tony Garcia Center has operated with the help of 400 volunteers, who field about 3,600 requests for services and information each year. Â Partners currently operate out of a cramped 2,000 square foot facility, located at 88149 Territorial Road in Veneta, Oregon, rented from the Fern Ridge School District.
Due to an increase in demand for services and uncertainty regarding its lease, the service organizations rallied together, sought additional partners and funding, to move these services into a new facility.
Service organizations include: Love Project Food Pantry, Fern Ridge Gleaners, Mid-Lane Cares and Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) Senior & Disabled Services. LCOG provides Senior Connections, Senior Meals and Meals on Wheels.
The existing facility is unable to meet the increased demand for services, which has grown steadily in recent years. The Fern Ridge area’s population grew by 75 percent from 2000 to 2010, substantially increasing the need for social services. By 2030, Veneta's population alone is expected to double to 10,000 residents. In addition, the Fern Ridge School District has chosen not to renew the organizations existing lease in an effort to meet its own school-related needs.
The new facility will enable these organizations to serve more people with greater efficiency. It will be closer to the post office, medical offices and the new transit center.
The new service center will include:
- 7,500 square feet, more than triple the space of its current facility
- Improved building access, parking, loading docks and waiting areas
- Offices and meeting space to provide greater privacy for those visiting
- Upgraded kitchen, large dining hall, pantry storage and energy efficient appliances
For more information about the Fern Ridge Service Center, project Partners and how you can help, please visit:
To learn more about Scott | Edwards Architecture llp, visit http://www.seallp.com/architecture.html
