The former Highlands library has now reopened, as a community center for sunset-area families.

The new Sunset Neighborhood Center, located at 2902 NE 12th St, Renton, had a grand opening event Oct. 27, featuring the city and the service partners who will be providing resources for residents.

“The vision for a best use of this former library, was envisioned more than 10 years ago, and was part of transformation of the Sunset neighborhood and the brand new library,” Renton Housing Authority’s Mark Gropper said. “What you see today is nothing short of a miracle… I’ve seen nothing as professorially laid out, effectively designed as what you see here today.”

The facility is also sustainable and energy efficient, Gropper said in his presentation. The art within the center also highlights the indigenous history of the sunset area and information on the city of Renton. The building was rebuilt for the center by Charter Construction and designed by Miller Hayashi Architects.

Mayor Armondo Pavone spoke at the event, saying that the 2014 community needs assessment on the Sunset area and the Sunset Area Transformation Plan were essential to bringing this Neighborhood Center to fruition. He also spoke about the work of the Renton Housing Authority and the several partnerships they have with HealthPoint.

“(Sunset) really is an important area of our community, and it’s long been underserved,” Pavone said.

HealthPoint first began offering healthcare services out of the new location earlier in the month, as previously reported by Renton Reporter. They also distributed groceries and COVID-19 safety supplies to vehicles with a drive-thru service immediately following the event. Many staff in the clinic are Sunset-area residents committed to supporting their community, CEO Lisa Yohalem said at the event.

Neighborhood House is another service provider, and will offer aging and disability services case managers and aging and disability services.

Other organizations in the center include Valley Cities, providing case management services, and St. Vincent de Paul and Centro Rendu also offer culturally-relevant services for families and children, including the Sunset area’s Latino community.

You can watch a recording of the livestreamed event here.

A photo of the inside of the old library facility before it was remodeled into the new Sunset Community Center. Courtesy photo/Renton Housing Authority

A photo of the outside of the old library facility before it was remodeled into the new Sunset Community Center. Courtesy photo/Renton Housing Authority

A look inside the new Sunset Community Center. Courtesy photo/Renton Housing Authority

A look inside the new Sunset Community Center. Courtesy photo/Renton Housing Authority