Since 2000, Gig Harbor’s senior population has grown dramatically — increasing by nearly 86% among residents aged 65 and older. This growth has heralded in a strong need for a permanent Senior Center in Gig Harbor.
While the current temporary Gig Harbor Senior Center, located in a local fellowship hall, has worked diligently to meet the needs of local seniors needs, a permanent location would be ideal. Concurrently, the Gig Harbor community is also short on flexible meeting spaces for events, performances, and other gatherings. The idea of creating The Harbor Center was born more than four years ago.
According to Dr. Julie Ann Gustanski, a founding member of the Gig Harbor Foundation, “The Harbor Center was designed through an interactive process with lots of community involvement to create three pieces to the project.” In addition to a Senior Center component, there will be event space and outdoor conservation space. “This entire project will be possible because of the land donation by John Allen, a Gig Harbor native who wanted to make a difference in the community he lived in and grew up in.”
A nearly 6,000 sq ft building will contain a dedicated senior center including program and activity rooms, fitness studio, makerspace, lounge/cafe, wellness/care rooms, and administration. A second space of over 4,600 sq ft will be home to the Event & Community Center with a flexible hall/multi-use space. It will contain a commercial kitchen and seating capacity for 250 guests for events, performances, retreats, and special occasions. An Education Center focused on Environmental studies will feature three classrooms, administration, a shared conference room, with a kitchen, and laundry facilities.
There will also be a small Annex Building. At slightly under 500 sq ft, the small-group space will contain space for meetings, workshop classroom, yoga or meditation micro-studio, education lab, tutoring, etc. with a capacity for 12 people.
The entire project will be located within a 9-acre conservation area, featuring a tranquil mixed forest with winding trails, opportunities for learning and exploration, and space for reflection, respite, and renewal. Construction is expected to start when 50% of the $14 million needed is raised. The Habor Center will be ideally located within the community core, with direct access to Hwy 16.
For more information, visit https://www.gghfharborhub.org/