Fresno officials broke ground Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, on a new, $41 million senior center on the site of a former Vons. Image via City of Fresno

The City of Fresno broke ground Tuesday on its first citywide senior activity center at the site of a former Vons, kicking off  a $41 million investment.

Located at 4343 N. Blackstone Ave. near Ashlan Avenue, the 4.5-acre site will feature a state-of-the-art, 34,000 square-foot facility and outdoor amenities designed specifically for senior citizens, according to a news release.

“This is a big day for Fresno,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Our senior community was asking for a place where they can connect, stay active, and enjoy life to the fullest — and we listened. This center will be a vibrant hub for wellness, learning, socializing, and will serve seniors from every corner of our city.”

This project was shaped by extensive community engagement, including open houses in every council district, pop-up events and one-on-one conversations with residents, according to the release. Amenities include a gym, aerobic rooms, a pavilion with barbecue areas, gardening spaces, a pool, bocce ball and pickleball courts, multi-use rooms, dedicated spaces for meal programs and wellness services. There will also be arts, education and fitness classes.

“Fresno’s seniors have spent a lifetime giving to this city, raising families, building neighborhoods, and serving others in countless ways. I’ve heard their stories, shared their porches, and seen firsthand the passion they have for our community,” said Councilmember Tyler Maxwell. “That is why I am proud to honor that legacy with our first-ever citywide Senior Center. This $41 million investment is more than a building, it’s a commitment that our seniors will always have a place to connect, grow, and be celebrated as the vibrant heart of Fresno for generations to come.”

Funding for the project comes from Measure P, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, park impact fees and the City’s General Fund. The Fresno Senior Center’s anticipated completion is summer 2027.

The Fresno Senior Center is located near Fresno Area Express (FAX) transit services and ensures easy access for residents across the city, according to the release.