Indira Lopez-Jones joins Board of Directors as Progress Continues
Since breaking ground in March 2023, the development of Brannan Center has served as a beacon of inspiration for a town devoted to preserving a strong sense of community. New developments including a fresh addition to the Board of Directors underscore its progress.
“We have sought to build a welcoming home for educational, civic and nonprofit communities in Calistoga,” said Brannan Center Development Co-Chair Denis Sutro. “Architect Tim Wilkes has designed an exceptional venue for performing arts within a beautiful, technologically advanced building. It is our duty to ensure the operation is financially sound and sustainable for generations to come.”
A California 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Brannan Center is expected to open in Fall of 2025 at the intersection of Washington and Berry streets. Fund-raising efforts continue to support construction and design, as well as three years of operating costs.
“The latest building developments include stucco application, which began in early April,” noted Project Manager Dick Engelhard. “Two coats of stucco have been applied to the exterior of the building, and structural reinforcements are being installed to support theatrical lighting and sound equipment. Exciting progress is being made!”
HVAC installation is proceeding in the Main Hall, and registers have been placed in the redwood ceiling. Conduit installation for AVL security and fire alarm systems began in April and will continue for six to eight weeks.
The latest visionary to join the group of Calistogans dedicated to realizing the dream of Brannan Center is Indira Lopez-Jones. Indira brings 24 years of experience in social services and early childhood programs to the Brannan Center Board of Directors.
“I am a firm believer that children and adults can benefit from being surrounded by the arts in any form,” says Lopez-Jones. “During early development, art activities can also help children with cognitive and social-emotional development, cultural identity and multisensory skills.”
López-Jones has been a Calistoga resident since 2000. She is the program director for UpValley Family Centers, providing program oversight and development for the agency. Partially accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice, she assists those applying for immigration benefits with the Department of Homeland Security.
Indira has served on the Board of Trustees of the Calistoga Joint Unified School District since 2010. She is currently serving on the Napa Valley Community Foundation Board and is a returning member of Soroptimist International of Calistoga. She has actively participated in civic programs such as Casa de la Cultura de Calistoga, a summer performing arts program, and the City of Calistoga Community Resources Committee.
“As the Green Church, this location has brought our community together in a meaningful way,” Lopez-Jones recalls. “At Brannan Center, our community will be able to experience performing arts in a place where belonging and acceptance would bring people together regardless of where they came from or their background. That is the meaning of community.”
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About the Brannan Center: The Brannan Center, a California nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was formed by a group of Calistoga residents to embark on an adaptive re-use, restoration and expansion of the historic property at 1407 Third Street in Calistoga, California. Here, Brannan Center will serve as a venue for the performing arts while fulfilling the site’s historical role as an active community center for civic and educational organizations. For more information, visit BrannanCenter.org.