Veterans Memorial Senior Center and NFL Alumni of Northern California
Hands-on Heritage worked with ELS Architecture & Urban Design to research historical and contemporary Veterans’ stories and tell these stories, from the Civil War through the 21st Century, as well as to preserve the stories and celebrate the mission of the NFL Alumni of Northern California, in media-rich exhibits and displays at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center in Redwood City, California. Design partners on the project include Cambridge Seven, Cortina Productions, and Natalie Zanecchia Design.
The new Veterans Memorial Senior Center and Joint YMCA replaced aging facilities at Red Morton Park, providing additional space for both facilities and adding new green space to Redwood City. The new senior center includes a 400-seat theater, gymnasium, kitchen, multipurpose rooms, garden space, and a technology hub, and will be completely accessible. The new YMCA features a health and wellness center, multiple swimming pools, childcare facilities, locker rooms, and dedicated spaces for adult, youth, and family programs. The transparent design brings in more natural light and gives the building a more welcoming tone by allowing passers-by to see inside and watch the programmed activities bustle away.