San Rafael, CA – The West Marin Service Center renovation project, which began construction in May 2017, is coming to a close. A ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion will be on May 23, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at 1 Sixth Street, Point Reyes Station. As part of the event, attendees will be able to take a guided tour of the renovated facility.
Modern technologies were used to bring West Marin Service Center’s safety and energy efficiency up to today’s standards.The Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) implemented a range of critical upgrades designed to maximize the health and human services operations and enable the facility to continue functioning as an essential services hub for the West Marin community. In March 2015, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved the plan to overhaul the center. The $2.8 million renovation project was funded through Marin County’s Capital Improvement Fund as well as certificates of participation, which essentially are bonds for municipal and government agencies.
The service center, operated by Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS), has experienced increased demand for services in recent years, particularly for health care, mental health and aging services. A 2014 facility evaluation study concluded that the West Marin Service Center, which opened in 1992, no longer had the capacity or functionality to meet the community’s needs. To accommodate this need, the renovation project increased the square footage from 3,070 to 5,241 and installed various improvements to allow the facility to meet its functional requirements for years to come. The improvements included discrete patient interview rooms, a larger community room, and a range of upgrades to make the facility fully accessible.
Modern technologies were used to bring the building’s safety and energy efficiency up to today’s standards. A variety of environmentally sustainable practices were implemented including a photovoltaic solar array, programmed lighting in accordance with the International Dark Sky Association, an improved building envelope, low water use plumbing fixtures, stormwater bio-retention basins, and drought tolerant landscaping. An electric vehicle charging station was also installed.
The environmentally-conscious choices qualify the new facility as a green building under the requirements detailed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The renovation’s collective elements will soon grant the building a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold level certification. LEED is a national certification system developed by the USGBC to encourage construction of commercial buildings that emphasize sustainability by efficiently utilizing energy and resources.
The ribbon cutting will signal the start of services from the newly renovated space. HHS staff partners with many community members and agencies to support the residents of rural West Marin. Staff helps guide individuals, families and older adults on securing help with food, economic assistance, health insurance, mental health support and other programs focused on self-sufficiency and well-being.