January 10, 2025

Santa Rosa Launches $33 Million Community Hub Project

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News Summary

The City of Santa Rosa has awarded a $33 million contract to Swinerton Builders for the Hearn Community Hub’s Phase 1, a project focusing on a new library and fire station. Set to reshape the area, this hub aims to enhance local education, safety, and community engagement, making it a significant investment for the city’s future. Construction begins in 2025, with features designed based on community needs and input.

Santa Rosa’s New Community Hub Project: A $33 Million Transformational Venture

The City of Santa Rosa is charging ahead with a monumental project that promises to reshape the community’s cultural and safety landscape. A contract worth a staggering $33.0 million has been awarded to Swinerton Builders for the design and construction of the Hearn Community Hub – Phase 1. This ambitious initiative is not merely about bricks and mortar; it represents an essential investment in the city’s future.

A Permanent Home for Knowledge and Safety

Located on a prime six-acre site at the bustling intersection of Hearn and Dutton Avenues, this civic complex is set to become a permanent home for the long-awaited library and a critical new fire station. The project comes as a breath of fresh air to residents who have been eagerly anticipating enhanced resources and services in southwest Santa Rosa. Notably, this will be the city’s first new library in two decades, heralding the beginning of a new era for local education and community engagement.

Building Designs That Reflect Community Needs

The first phase of the project will feature a state-of-the-art library designed by Jayson Architecture, a modern fire station conceived by Shah Kawasaki Architects, and beautifully landscaped areas crafted by RHAA. The library is planned to encompass 10,315 square feet of versatile spaces designed to accommodate future needs, while the fire station will span 9,915 square feet, replacing the aging Fire Station 8 and ensuring better service for the community.

Investment Breakdown and Funding Sources

The total cost for the first phase—including land acquisition, demolition, design, and construction—amounts to $48.2 million. Funding for this monumental endeavor is diversified, drawing from local, state, and federal resources. Key contributors include $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and PG&E wildfire settlement funds, coupled with $3 million from the public safety tax, $3.5 million from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and an impressive $1 million contributed by the Sonoma County Library Foundation.

Timeline of Development Activities

Activities are already underway, with demolition of existing structures on the project site commencing in May 2024, thereby clearing the way for redevelopment. Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2025, with completion expected by spring 2027. The timeline is an exciting progression for community members anxiously awaiting expanded public services.

A Vision for the Future

Future phases of the Hearn Community Hub project will further enhance community amenities by adding recreation and aquatic centers, solidifying the city’s commitment to building a versatile and inclusive space for its residents. The overarching design goal focuses on modern adaptability, ensuring the community hub meets evolving public needs for generations to come.

Community-Centric Design and Engagement

Engagement with community members has been integral to shaping the project. Local residents actively participated in reviewing design proposals, underscoring the city’s dedication to a community-centered approach. Various services will be provided at the site along with community and recreational amenities, including meeting rooms, a maker space, a demonstration garden, and outdoor performance areas at the new library. The fire station will be equipped to handle operational needs, potentially incorporating spaces for emergency operations and conferences.

Improving Public Safety in a Diverse Neighborhood

Strategically positioned near ongoing housing developments, this project aims to bolster public safety and enhance community access in the neighborhood, which was incorporated into Santa Rosa in 2017. This initiative stands as a testament to the city’s broader strategy to invest in predominantly Latino communities, aiming to uplift and enrich local lives.

A Proven Track Record

Swinerton Builders brings a wealth of experience, having operated in the region for 137 years with an impressive portfolio consisting of 32 projects completed in Santa Rosa alone. The Santa Rosa City Council made the momentous decision to award the construction contract on January 9, 2025, paving the way for a groundbreaking project that residents have long awaited.

As this project unfolds, Santa Rosa is not just constructing buildings; it is fostering community, safety, and resilience, creating a vibrant future for all.