LAKEPORT, Calif. — The city of Lakeport’s Silveira Community Center is due to undergo more improvements thanks to grant funding.

The building, located at 500 N. Main St., was built in 1969 and served as the Bank of America building until its closure in November 2017.

In March 2019, thanks to the work of then-City Manager Margaret Silveira, the city acquired the building, which Bank of America donated.

Since then, the city has been working through the process of updating the building.

In September, the city announced that it had been awarded a $1.2 million grant to support the center’s ongoing renovations.

The city said that funding, along with a $1 million grant from a Community Development Block Grant, will help it make critical improvements to the electrical and HVAC systems, enhancing safety and energy efficiency at the center.

The $1 million grant is being used for electrical upgrades. The city is bringing the facility up to current electrical codes by replacing outdated panels and wiring.

As a result, the system will be able to handle the increased load from the new HVAC units, ensuring long-term reliability and safety.

Those funds also are covering the installation of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including new ductwork, air handlers and compressors. The upgrades will improve climate control and reduce the center’s operational costs, making the facility more sustainable.

Regarding the $1.2 million grant, the city said it will focus on improving accessibility throughout the center.

Planned improvements include ramps, wider doorways and fully renovated restrooms, ensuring compliance with ADA standards. The improvements will provide better access for individuals with disabilities, as well as seniors and families.

Beyond accessibility, the city said the funding will enhance the building's functionality and safety, making it more usable for a variety of community events, including social, recreational and educational activities.

The grant-funded project also will include upgrades to the building’s overall infrastructure to improve long-term use and community benefit.

“These projects will begin to transform the Silveira Community Center into a modern, accessible, and efficient facility for all. The city is committed to ensuring that the project is carried out smoothly and in compliance with all regulations and safety standards,” the city said in a statement on the project.

Other improvements already completed over the last several years include a mural that was painted on the side of the building facing Fifth Street and a microtreatment that was completed on its parking lot.

While the building has had limited usage so far, it was used as a vaccination site by the county during the pandemic.

Building on that use, at its Sept. 4 meeting, the Lakeport City Council approved an agreement for the building’s use with the Lake County Health Department.

Under that agreement, the county will be able to use the center and its parking lot for medical respite use during disasters. It also will allow for reimbursement of funds in an emergency and help the city pursue additional grant funding for improvements.

“We are really excited to start using this building more,” said Council member Stacey Mattina.

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