New Wellness Center in San Mateo County aims to centralize health and social services
San Mateo County, California – San Mateo County has started building the North County Wellness Center, a new facility focused at offering vital services more easily to its residents, in a major step towards improving community health and social services. Held at the site at 1024 Mission Road, the groundbreaking ceremony commemorated the start of a $132.5 million ambitious project located close to public transportation hubs like BART and SamTrans stations.
Offering a broad spectrum of health and social services, the three-story center spanning 77,000 square feet will mostly serve people and families who are Medi-Cal recipients or qualified candidates. Dave Pine, San Mateo County Supervisor whose district includes the Wellness Center, claims that the facility is meant to combine several necessary services under one roof.
“This center brings essential services closer to the residents who rely on the County and our partners for health care, dental care and more,” Pine explained.
Built to be a friendly environment, the Wellness Center will have large windows openings with views of a calm garden and a brilliant greeting hall covered in natural timber. The architectural layout includes wide hallways leading to various facilities, including a health clinic, a dental suite equipped with advanced digital imagery, and private areas where residents can learn about and apply for assistance programs.
Described by the architect as modern and contextual, the architecture of the Wellness Center makes great use of natural wood rather than synthetic materials usually used in paneling and ceiling tiles. Unlike other substitutes, the wood also lessens the visual effect and naturally helps to muffle the sounds of a busy office.
Complementing the creative approach of the facility, Board of Supervisors Vice President David Canepa underlined the need of establishing an atmosphere that makes visitors happy.
” We want to create an environment where people are happy or feel uplifted to be here,” Canepa stated during the groundbreaking ceremony. “People may come here feeling a lot of stress: they’re here to see a doctor or they may be seeking some form of public assistance,” Canepa added.
Building the Wellness Center also represents a step toward sustainability. Using cross-laminated lumber, a technique noted for less environmental effect than conventional materials like cement and steel, it will be among the first healthcare buildings of its type. Features like electric vehicle chargers, lots of bicycle parking spots, the incorporation of solar energy stations, and the utilization of native plant species in landscaping highlight this decision’s reflection of the county’s environmental commitment.
Supported by Measure K, a countywide half-cent sales tax set to meet local needs, and funded by the General Fund of the County, the Wellness Center is projected to open in 2026. When finished, it will provide a complete range of services including physical therapy, specialized medical tests, behavioral health treatments, and areas for the satellite offices of the District Attorney and Treasurer/Tax Collector.
The North County Wellness Center, which promises LEED Gold Certification, is poised to become a major community resource by skillfully combining environmental stewardship with utility.
