Laguna Beach Community & Susi-Q Senior Center

"The building works beautifully with the site. Sensitive and creative solution to multiple challenges. The facility feels like it belongs to this community."

Dave Larson, Innovative Architecture and Design Award Judge, Recreation Management Magazine

This $15 million project began with detailed programming and planning for the Laguna Beach Senior Center under contract to the Laguna Beach Seniors, Inc., a private not-for-profit corporation. The project evolved into turn-key program management for the Laguna Beach Senior Center, the City of Laguna Beach Community Center, and an associated common underground parking garage. This project demonstrates the integration of programming services and implementation.

The 20,000-square-foot project consists of an 8,000-square-foot senior center wing and a 7,500-square-foot community center wing, linked by 3,500 square feet of shared space (lobbies, offices, and restrooms). The Center also has 7,700 square-feet of open space and the entire structure sits atop a 71-space parking garage which includes handicap spaces as well as a loading zone for small buses adjacent to a wheelchair-accessible elevator. The lower lobby area can also be reached via a walkway from the street.

Flexibility is a hallmark of the facility. Although each room has a primary purpose, most serve multiple functions. A multipurpose room serves as a lunch room, large group activities room, and a community gathering spot for up to 100 people. The Center also includes a computer room, art and dance studios, a wellness center, small offices for various program needs, and two catering kitchens.

 

Photo Credit: Costea Photography
Projects

Laguna Beach Community & Susi-Q Senior Center