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Building a New Home for the Marjaree Mason Center

The need is critical.
The time is now.

Operating from headquarters constructed in 1913 as a private home, the Marjaree Mason Center has been Fresno County’s only dedicated provider of domestic violence shelter and supportive services since opening in 1979. We’re proud to have helped thousands of women and families experience hope and healing through the years. But the ongoing need continues to be far greater than what the downtown footprint can accommodate.

In December of 2022, the Marjaree Mason Center purchased a 5.5- acre property in Fresno with an existing 37,680 sq. ft. building. In its 60-year history, the building was home to several educational organizations including Heald College and The Milan Institute. Breaking ground in January 2024, the building has been modernized to meet today’s building and operational standards to become a 24/7 trauma-informed facility dedicated to serving survivors of domestic violence.

Designed to meet our most critical needs:
Capacity, Accessibility & Safety.

Capacity

The need: The Marjaree Mason Center has significantly outgrown our current headquarters and crisis drop-in center in downtown Fresno, originally built in 1913 as a private home. Given the National Historic Registry designation and no adjacent land, expansion in our downtown location was not possible.

The solution: The new building more than doubles the footprint for critical non-residential services including a dedicated Crisis Response Suite, Children’s Enrichment Center, Medical Exam Room, Counseling Center, 100-Person Training Center and more.

Accessibility

The need: Our services were previously spread across several locations, requiring transportation between sites. This not only created barriers for survivors, but also significant operational inefficiencies.

The solution: The new building is located near the Blackstone corridor, FAX bus line 1 and Freeway 41, and will consolidate all Fresno Metro locations, making it easily accessible to both survivors and community partners. Operational efficiencies are now enhanced as we’ve consolidated locations, and the shared-space design allows survivors to engage care from law enforcement and other agencies in one place.

Safety

The need: Being on the National Historic Registry limited our ability to add enhanced safety doors and gates at our downtown location. There was also significant exposure to the public. While rich in history and architectural design, it is not functional for office or meeting space, confidential conversations or privacy in crisis response.

The solution: The new building plan allows healing to begin the moment a person walks through the doors thanks to design, color and furnishing choices that consider their emotional safety. Additionally, the physical safety of survivors and care providers are protected by security doors, fencing, cameras, confidential parking and more.

To learn how you can be part of this vital community resource that will serve generations to come, or if you'd like to request a pledge form, please contact our Director of Philanthropy and Communication, Ashlee Wolf, at (559) 487-1313 or ashlee@mmcenter.org.

So many ways to give.

When we ask the community for help, we want to make it as easy as possible – without needless limitations or barriers.

  • Cash
  • Securities
  • IRAs
  • Real estate
  • Life insurance
  • Bequests or other types of planned gifts

Naming opportunities

Naming opportunities are available in the Marjaree Mason Center’s new Isnardi Foundation Building in honor of donations and pledges $50,000 - $10,000,000. Pledges may be paid over a five-year term.

Project Timeline

2018

Marjaree Mason Center received a facility planning grant from the Living Legacy Foundation.

2019

Darden Architects conducted a space needs analysis and recommended options for the Board’s consideration. Moss Adams conducted a financial analysis of those different options including 5-year operating projections.

January 2020

The Board made a decision that a move was necessary and to proceed with a future consolidated campus with room to grow.

2021

Over a dozen sites were explored for meeting our needs, price and required zoning. In December 2021, MMC entered into a Purchase Sale Agreement for the property (5.57 acres with a 37,680 sq. ft. building) at 255 W. Bullard Avenue in Fresno.

December 2021 – August 2022

A donation from the Kashian Family Foundation allowed us to conduct due diligence on the site and create conceptual renderings.

August 2022

The needed zoning was obtained to allow for all uses of the property.

December 2022

MMC closed escrow on the property.

January 2023

Other domestic violence agencies (Sacramento and Dallas) and social service sites were toured to gain ideas.

May 2023

Paul Halajian Architects was retained for architectural services.

October 2023

The general contractor was selected and brought on board.

November 2023

Launch of public capital campaign.

January 2024

Groundbreaking for the remodel/modernization.

December 2024

Construction completion.

January 2025

The Marjaree Mason Center begins offering services in its new home.

Healing Happens When Courage Takes Root.

Join us today.

Donate Here

For more information, contact Ashlee Wolf at donate@mmcenter.org or 559-487-1313

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