Mission: The GLC is dedicated to supporting people of all ages in the Eel River Valley in pursuit of art, education, health, and wellness.
Welcome to the Gene Lucas Community Center (GLC), where inclusivity, learning, and enrichment converge to create a vibrant hub for all ages and abilities. Building upon the rich legacy of the Multi-Generational Center (MGC), the GLC spans approximately 23,000 square feet across a sprawling 28-acre lot, beckoning the community to gather, grow, and thrive together. We provide essential spaces, classes, and events that promote learning, connection, and well-being within our community.
GLC Features:
- A one-mile walking trail, with ADA portion
- Light Exercise rooms
- Rental spaces for events and private parties
- Classrooms
- Commercial Kitchen
- Conference Room
- Outdoor Spaces
Location: 3000 Newburg Road, Ste B, Fortuna, CA 95540
Total Funding Allocated: $11 million for the entire campus
More than just a physical space, the GLC serves as a hub for various community organizations, including the ERV Community Center Foundation, NorCAN (Northern California Association of Nonprofits), The McLean Foundation, Humboldt Senior Resource Center (HSRC), Remi Vista, Inc., Reaching for Independence (RFI), First 5 Humboldt Fortuna Playgroup, HSRC Nutrition Program, Teen Court, and many others.
With 260 parking spaces conveniently situated on-site, along with a four-way stop and left turn lane at the intersection of Newburg and Rohnerville Roads. For pedestrians, an ADA-compliant public access trail seamlessly links Newburg Park to the heart of our campus, inviting all to join in the spirit of community.
The ERV Community Center Foundation is dedicated to building a strong and inclusive community in the Eel River Valley. We’re a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3).
Here’s what we do:
-Owner and operator of the McLean Campus: We handle everything at the McLean Campus, including taking care of tenants and running the day-to-day operations of the Gene Lucas Community Center (GLC).
-Community Support: Through the GLC and our First 5 Fortuna Playgroup and NorCAN (Northern California Association of Nonprofits) programs, we offer spaces, classes, and events that help people learn, connect, and thrive.
Our goal is simple: supporting our community. At the ERV Community Center Foundation, we believe in community-driven efforts. Let’s keep building a better Eel River Valley, where everyone can succeed and contribute.
Our History
Gene Lucas
Gene Lucas was a truly amazing man. He was an accountant by trade, but that hardly gives an idea of his position in the Eel River Valley. Gene was at the heart of the region’s business community for over half a century. He served on numerous boards of directors and acted as trusted adviser to a variety of county businesses in all sorts of fields, including ranching, timber, dairy, and engineering.
Most famously, Gene was a friend, adviser and confidant to Mel and Grace McLean, owners of the Eel River Sawmills. Before Mel and Grace passed away, they decided to start a trust in their name to give back to the community they loved so much. Gene was instrumental in helping set up the Mel and Grace McLean Foundation. Grace passed in 1989 and Mel in 1999.
After his passing, Mel’s appointed trustees officially opened the McLean Foundation on January 1, 2000. Gene served as the Foundation’s President and Chairman of the Board for its first thirteen years, and the McLean Foundation became the most important source of funds for innumerable charitable projects in the Eel River Valley and the larger Humboldt County.
During their lifetime, Mel and Grace McLean expressed interest in giving back to their community in a more permanent form, one that would honor their legacy and have the greatest positive impact. Gene presented the concept of building a community center. The project would provide a facility where all members of the Eel River Valley would have a place available to learn, recreate and socialize.
Gene began to explore ways to make Mel and Grace’s dream a reality. Beginning in 2008, after numerous studies, community meetings and exploration of several potential sites, Gene and the McLean board began to develop a blueprint for the center. Unfortunately, in 2013, Gene passed away before the McLean Foundation was able to secure a site and develop a building plan. It is fitting for the building to be named the Gene Lucas Community Center to honor his memory and dedication to the McLeans and the residents of the Eel River Valley.
Gene will be remembered for his zest for life, for his generosity, his kindness, his friendships with people from all walks of life, his genius for numbers, and especially for his love of family and the community.
