Palo Alto’s new Teen Center on Bryant Street is set to open on Feb. 11, offering a safe space for teens to hang out, study and relax. The center plans to partner with local businesses and nonprofits to host workshops for teens to learn life skills. The building will also serve as the headquarters for La Comida, a nonprofit that provides meals for seniors.

For Recreation Coordinator Christofer Sanchez, teen perspective in the design process was crucial. To get that input, he worked with city council members, Children’s Theatre representatives and community members to send out surveys to determine what types of programs, classes and workshops to hold at the center.

“We asked a couple of teen groups, such as Teen Advisory Board, Palo Alto Youth Council (and) the teens that already come to (the Mitchell Park Library) Teen Center, what they think about the different amenities that will be provided in the space,” he said.

PAYC member senior Dolly Wu is excited about the teen center, but raises concerns on the accessibility issues.

“One thing I’m a bit nervous about is how much reach this new center will have,” she said. “I don’t think its purpose would be maximized if it is only marketed as a place for teens to hang out, so I really hope it will work with community organizations (in addition to La Comida) to make it feel more integrated.”

The center was designed for one purpose: to support Palo Alto youth. PAYC member senior Ruddhra Gupta looks forward to seeing the new location in action.

“I think it was a good idea that they (put) the teen center downtown,” he said. “It’s nice (that it’s) in a place (that) is more lively and has more traffic so teens can use it more. I also heard that they are adding many more amenities compared to the Mitchell Park (center) which is exciting.”