Ground is broken in the Springs for a new La Luz Center, a 2,400-square-foot building on the Greger Street site of the cramped and outdated structure that was razed last week.
Marking the occasion are, front row; Juan Hernández, executive director; Ligia Booker, founder of La Luz; Anna Pier, board president; and Kimberly Blattner, co-chair of capital campaign. Back row: Ken Adelson, capital campaign committee; Danny Garon, project manager for Devcon; and Marcelo Defreitas, co-chair of capital campaign.
In 2012, La Luz was awarded a $25,000 Impact100 grant to remodel its decades-old building. When actual architectural planning began, however, it became apparent that replacing, not remodeling, the 1940s bungalow was the more practical move.
Initial plans were drawn up, and the County has signed off on all permitting issues. Phase two of a $1.5 million capital campaign to complete the project is underway.
The new building is “a dream come true,” said Booker. She said she can hardly believe its happening, given the organization’s humble beginnings. In the early days, she shared office space with a chiropractor, and could only work on days he didn’t have appointments.
This has been a long time coming. Congratulations!