Downtown Hub Opens as New Destination for Teens, Seniors and Community

Community celebration marks opening of the City’s new teen center, La Comida Senior Nutrition Program Permanent Home and community space

PALO ALTO, CALIF.---The City of Palo Alto announced today the grand opening of Bryant Street Community Center, a new downtown destination designed to bring generations together through classes, teen programming and daily senior lunch meal service.  

The city-owned building was previously leased to a private gym and then renovated as a new downtown community space. The $1.3M renovation included creating distinct gathering spaces for recreation and community classes, a Teen Center, and permanent dining room location in downtown for La Comida. Extensive building renovations included interior renovations to increase building occupancy, ADA access improvements, and converting the building’s gas heating and cooling system to an electric system installing seven electric heat pumps. 

“Bryant Street Community Center reflects the City’s commitment to fostering community wellness and belonging through the renovation of an unutilized space into something amazing for us to continue programs like senior meal services that our community relies on and a new hub for teens created by teens improving community connection and wellbeing,” said Greer Stone, Palo Alto vice mayor. “The new gathering space enhances the quality of life we all value in Palo Alto and offers a new downtown hub bringing together generations through classes, teen programming and senior services.”

The new Teen Center was designed by teens including a new mural designed and painted by teens offer a fresh new space for teens to connect, relax and learn.

"This teen center is truly revolutionary and is paving the way for youth engagement within the city and beyond,” said Vin Bhat, Palo Alto Youth Council president.

La Comida has been providing meals and social connections for local seniors for over 53 years, with their new downtown home at the Bryant Street location now offers senior meal service Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. to 12: 15 p.m. La Comida offers a second senior meal service location in South Palo Alto.  

"La Comida has been providing meals and social connection for local seniors for over 53 years,” said Tom DuBois, member of the La Comida Board of Directors and former Palo Alto mayor. “It took us nine years to find our permanent home in North Palo Alto. Our search has come to an end thanks to persistence, ongoing partnerships, and community support. We are grateful for this milestone that will support so many seniors for years to come." 

Future improvements under consideration include increasing available electrical capacity, converting the water boiler from gas to electric, and additional room reconfigurations for community services and uses. 

The Bryant Street Community Center expands community services in downtown Palo Alto and joins the City's robust community amenities including 36 parks, 39 playgrounds, five community and youth centers, a zoo, an art center, 41 miles of walking/biking trails and five libraries. The Community Center began a phased opening in late January with programming continuing to grow, with the City offering one-on-one music classes for youth, group aerobics, and art classes. These activities reflect the City’s goal of creating a flexible, inclusive space that supports connection, wellness, and creativity for residents of all ages. The Bryant Street Community Center will also serve as an overnight warming location during the colder months based on County-driven activation standards to support unhoused community members.  

Several national surveys and research point to improved community health and wellness when there are strong social connections and spaces and programs for community classes and gathering spaces. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory identified loneliness as a significant public health challenge and highlighted the importance of strengthening community infrastructure and opportunities for connection. National research shows 91% of Americans say access to recreation and community centers enhances their communities* Research has also linked strong social connection with improved well-being and long-term health outcomes.**  

For information about facility rentals, visit the Bryant Street Community Center webpage. 

To view Palo Alto recreation and cultural classes community wide and at Bryant Street Community Center, visit www.PaloAlto.gov/enjoy.