Como Community Center

Updates 11/16 3:00 PM:  We have used up our first pool of matching funds ($1,000).   Thanks to all donors that helped make this happen.  We are excited to announce we now have a second pool of funds ($5,000) available to match donations one-to-one.  These funds are available starting today and will match donations until 12/31. 

The Como Community Center (CCC) and its renovation of a historic landmark along with its future community engagement activities will support one of the fastest growing populations in the metro area. 

Southeast Como along with its university area neighbors represent a truly unique population.   The area is defined by its rapidly growing, increasingly diverse and highly youth-oriented vibrancy.

SE Como alone added over 1,300 residents since 2000. In the larger University area, the population has exploded from 10,000 to 52,000 since 2010.  Residents identifying as a person of color went from 20% in 2000 to 33% in 2020; 41% live below the poverty level while 72% are between the ages of 18 and 34.  This growth in density, diversity, poverty, and youth is happening faster than infrastructure and amenities can adjust.  

In the SE Como area, there is currently one remaining public space – the overused Van Cleve Park building. Yet it is more important than ever to connect residents to education, engagement opportunities, services, and each other. Without a center a community struggles.  Without connections a community fragments.

A building alone isn’t a solution but is a critical step towards having a physical center.  In addition to saving a historic landmark linked to SE Como’s 100+ years of community activism, the CCC is planning for a variety of publicly directed uses: community meetings, education forums, local arts showcase, and cultural events are some examples.  

Currently, we are focused on bringing the facility up to code and full ADA compliance.  During this Season of Support, 1 for 1 donor match opportunities will be available until December 31st, 2023.   Thank you for any support you can provide.  

Updates: In September we were fortunate to receive donated services from HGA Architects.  Two days of design work explored interior stage options, exterior garden concepts and branding designs.  Our thanks to HGA and its team.