Getting to Know Richmond RICHMOND SENIOR ANNEX HISTORY
20 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM JANUARY 2020
By Genoveva Sirlopu
5801 Huntington Avenue
• The building was constructed in 1937 as a
firehouse for the Richmond Annex and served
the community in that capacity for 39 years
until it’s closing in 1976.
• In 1977 the City of Richmond budgeted
money to convert the firehouse into a Senior
facility and in February 1979 work was finally
started.
• On January 7, 1980 the doors opened for
senior residents of 50 plus years. Seniors and
members of the Neighborhood Council
worked as volunteers to operate the center
initially. They performed maintenance, ran
many of the programs and held fundraisers,
which helped defray the operating cost.
• The center offered recreational and human
services, arts and crafts, exercise classes,
excursions, speakers and many other programs.
Eventually staffing was provided and these
programs continued to flourish.
• In the years of 1982 and 2004 city staff was
laid off due to budget constraints. Seniors
and volunteers ran the center until the city
re-established funding and staffing.
• The center has served as a meeting place for
the Annex community, a polling place for
elections and held various community events.
Today the center operates full time with various
programs daily and continues to expand services
for seniors and the community. If you would like
more information on our schedule please call
(510) 620-6812 or email us at annexseniorstaff@
ci.richmond.ca.us
If you would like to make a monetary donation to
the Richmond Annex Senior Center, please make
your check payable to the Richmond Annex Senior
Center. Monetary donations can be dropped off in
person at the Senior Center Front Desk or mailed
to our address at 5801 Huntington Avenue,
Richmond, CA 94804.