A Historical Summary
We are named after H. Y. Price, Jr., a local telephone company owner and philanthropist. Mr. Price financed the purchase of the old First Christian Church and donated it to the City of San Marcos, to be used for "youth and/or senior citizen activity programs," as the deed directs.
Building History
The First Christian Church of San Marcos was built in 1893, enlarged in 1910 and further expanded into a two-story wing in 1953. The church was damaged by fire in 1984, and the congregation moved. In 1993, H. Y. Price, Jr., financed the First Christian Church's conveyance of its former home to the City of San Marcos, designated to be used for "youth and/or senior citizen activity programs," as the deed directs. Without budgeted funds for a restoration, the City Council proposed demolishing part of the complex, followed by three unsuccessful efforts to sell the property. Meanwhile, the city was leasing the property to another church organization for about two and a half years. Without proper care or maintenance, decay set in, making restoration seem even less likely.
Greater San Marcos Area Seniors Association Established
In 1995, the Greater San Marcos Area Seniors Association incorporated with a commitment of bringing together those of our "elder" generation and those who are younger in "intergenerational" relationships, such as a "Mutual Adoption Pact" providing for their shared benefits and understanding. Members began monthly meetings in various venues, creating community-wide programs and working with other civic organizations to establish an outreach of public service and a fellowship of elders as a vital part of the broader community.
1999: Seniors Adopt the "Old Christian Church"
During this time, the Association's City Affairs Committee offered several proposals to the City Council, seeking to find a way to convert the "Old Christian Church" to its appointed function as a center for senior citizen programs. A competitive proposal to lease the property for thirty years ultimately was accepted by the City Council in March 1998. After nine months of negotiating the lease terms, a final draft was agreed upon and executed shortly after New Years' 1999. This successfully concluded a four-year endeavor with a thriving organization and fulfilled the promise of a home-to-be: The H. Y. Price Seniors Center, as it is today.
Fundraising, Renovating, Moving Forward
Fundraising began and renovations have been underway since June 1999, achieving the current level of $400,000 as the Seniors Association continues its community-wide service and relationships, reaching out for assistance from their friends in the San Marcos area who appreciate the cultural significance of this commitment and the opportunity to support their senior-aged friend' ideal of "being a part of the community – rather apart from it."
Award-Winning Facility
In 2004, the Center was named "the Best Downtown Adaptive Reuse Project in the State of Texas" by the Austin-based Texas Downtown Association at its Annual Conference in College Station.
