Jennifer Cooper Shares a Community-Centered Vision for Sammamish’s Building 120
At our Rotary After Hours meeting on Thursday, July 16, we welcomed Jennifer Cooper, a board member of the Sammamish Community & Culture Collective, commonly known as C3. Jennifer shared the organization’s vision for transforming Building 120 into a welcoming community center where Sammamish residents can gather, create, learn, and connect.
C3 believes the building could serve people of all ages and interests. Jennifer described possibilities such as meeting rooms for nonprofit and civic groups, spaces for youth activities and robotics, arts and cultural programs, opportunities for seniors and families, and temporary storefronts where small local businesses could introduce their work to the community.
One theme came through clearly: Sammamish needs more accessible places where people can spend time together and build relationships.
Jennifer explained that many local groups struggle to find affordable, flexible meeting and event space. She shared examples of community programs that have needed to hold events outside Sammamish because an appropriate local venue was not available. A community center would not solve every space need, but it could provide an important starting point.
C3 is also considering the practical questions involved. The organization is studying potential operating models, partnerships, grants, community feedback, and ways the building could become financially sustainable. Members of our club raised thoughtful questions about renovation costs, long-term management, and the roles that the City, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups might play.
The City of Sammamish is currently evaluating possible futures for Building 120, including community reuse and other options. Jennifer encouraged residents to stay informed and participate as opportunities for public input become available.
We appreciated Jennifer’s honest and hopeful presentation. Her message was not that creating a community center will be quick or easy. It was that a valuable community asset deserves thoughtful consideration before an opportunity is lost.
For Rotary members, the conversation was a reminder that stronger communities grow when neighbors have places to meet, exchange ideas, and work together.
Learn more about Sammamish C3 at sammamishc3.org.
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