As renovations close Modesto center, nonprofit that runs it braces for higher bills
The King-Kennedy Memorial Center will be closed for a year of renovations — and when it reopens, the nonprofit running it will face a 60% rent hike and, for the first time, monthly utility bills.
The West Modesto Community Collaborative, which has managed the center for years, signed a new 10-year contract with the city of Modesto this month. The deal raises the group’s rent to $2,000 and adds a $600 utilities payment.
According to the city, those charges will generate about $31,200 annually for the Recreation Division’s operating budget. Monthly rent will continue to increase by $50 each year.
The city’s 2018 agreement with WMCC for the operation of the King-Kennedy Memorial Center started with a rental payment of $1,000, which has increased each subsequent year to $1,250 as of 2024.
WMCC gets funding through multiple grants, totaling over $1.14 million a year. It receives the most, about $175,000, from Sutter Valley Hospitals for mental health support.
WMCC Chief Executive Officer Perfecto Muñoz said the new costs will require budget adjustments, though he believes the utilities charge could have been much higher given the size of the building. Utility use spikes during the agency’s senior meal program, when staff prepares meals twice a month in the center’s full-service kitchen.
“The $600 is not too bad for us because it helps us … and it also helps the city because they get compensated at least a little bit of money to cover utilities,” Muñoz said.
During construction, WMCC has relocated its programs and services to the Learning Center at 529 California Ave., just around the corner from the King-Kennedy Center. The agency also has an agreement with the city for joint usage of the Marshall Park Center for one year, with an optional extension of six months.
The city will not charge WMCC rent and utilities until the agency is back in the King-Kennedy Center. Renovations are expected to be complete in 12 months.
History of the King-Kennedy Memorial Center
The King-Kennedy Memorial Center was built in 1968 with federal housing funds, following recommendations from a west Modesto committee that identified major challenges in the neighborhood, including unemployment, limited education and job skills and widespread feelings of “apathy and isolation.” For four decades, the city operated the center and offered programming for residents of all ages and abilities.
In 2006, Modesto invited nonprofits to express interest in taking over operations. The West Modesto Community Collaborative was the only respondent and, in 2008, entered into an agreement with the city to manage the center. A similar process occurred in 2018, when WMCC again was the only agency to apply and signed a new operating contract.
WMCC provides mental health services, community engagement, after-school programming, intervention programs and other services to the West Modesto community. The building honors The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.
In 2021, the city approved the application for grant funds to renovate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
What is being renovated?
The King-Kennedy Memorial Center renovations are part of the broader construction underway at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where ground was broken in October.
Plans include a new gymnasium that will serve as an extension of the center and provide space for community meetings, fundraisers and other events. The design features extensive glass to bring in natural light.
The project also adds new restrooms, a gazebo, an outdoor amphitheater stage, a basketball court and a splash pad. A plaza with open seating will connect the existing center to the new gym.
“It was a lot of meetings, a lot of nos and a lot of yeses and a lot of ‘yeah, this is it,’” said Muñoz. “That was the exciting part because the people were engaged. The community was engaged in the planning and development of this building.”
As a result of the renovations, Muñoz said WMCC will add new programming and activities. He said the agency has an agreement with the Stanislaus County Police Activities League to bring in youth activities like sports.
