The City of Santee, California, celebrated the official start to construction on their new community center. The center’s design honors the local context and environment to create a rich social hub with flexible spaces that can be used by several different community groups, including teens and seniors, throughout the year.

The Santee Community Center is a two-story facility designed to serve as a vibrant gathering place. Located at 10129 Riverwalk Drive, just east of the Cameron Family YMCA and Santee Aquatic Center, the 12,500-square-foot center will provide a dynamic venue for community events, recreation, and emergency preparedness. The Community Center will feature two spacious event spaces, a warming kitchen, office space, a double-height lobby, elevator, support spaces, and a concession stand. In addition to its role as a community hub, the center will serve as the City of Santee’s backup Emergency Operation Center (EOC), enhancing the city’s resilience and emergency response capabilities.

This community center is envisioned as both a crown jewel for the city and a welcoming gateway to the Town Center Community Park and trail system. This project was shaped by listening — to city leadership, staff, and the Santee community — and translating those conversations into a place designed for connection and belonging. James Krueger, director of design at HMC Architects

“City leaders have championed the Santee Community Center as a much-needed resource that will accommodate hundreds of residents,” said Tami Barnhart-Reese, President of BRC. “Barnhart-Reese is honored to partner with the City of Santee to deliver this transformative project.”

“This facility represents a meaningful investment in Santee’s future,” said Mayor John W. Minto. “With construction now in motion, we look forward to working alongside Barnhart-Reese Construction to deliver a space that will serve as a hub for recreation, events, and community connection.”