The Pride Community Center of North Central Florida voted at a meeting Sunday to purchase a new building following the closure of its current home within the Gainesville Community Counseling Center.
The center held an emergency meeting last month where it voted to offer $525,000, with a down payment of $200,000, on a building for sale at 1204 NW 10th Ave. The board made the decision on the basis the center would have a 30-day inspection period.
The board and community members met to discuss the inspection results, donation updates and community concerns. Before voting on the purchase, the board shared pictures of the building and discussed the facility improvements needed to ensure a safe location for the pride community.
Since the center’s meeting last month, PCCNCF had raised over $62,000 dedicated to finding a new facility.
“Not only does the community want for the Pride Center to get better facilities, but also is so invested and willing to pay for it up front,” said Zach Bongiovanni, the center’s assistant vice president. “You can’t argue with the numbers in our bank accounts.”
The building originally served as a church and offers over 5,500 square feet. It includes an assembly room and stage, a basement, potential office spaces, a conference room and three bathrooms.
The property inspection showed issues like water intrusion, deteriorating insulation and some structural issues with the roof, according to William Greenwood, a certified home inspector in Gainesville working with PCCNCF.
The building also proved to be noncompliant with ADA laws, including bathrooms that aren’t designated for handicap use, an accessible ramp or designated parking spaces, according to the inspection report. However, the building could be renovated to meet the needs for those with disabilities, Greenwood said.
“Based on the age of the building, it is in pretty good condition,” Greenwood said.
PCCNCF also shared results of a community survey evaluating the needs of the community.
The survey showed about 46% of members felt the location and distance of the center’s previous location made it hard for them to attend and participate. Over five in six members said it was very important to have a dedicated space.
Linda Bassham, a 79-year-old community member, said she believes the new location will address these concerns. Bassham said she thinks the board members have done a great job at working to make sure the center has what it needs, she added.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” Bassham said. “I’m very happy about it and can’t wait till we’re actually in and operating.”
Over a dozen community members attended Sunday’s meeting, and the board gave time to those who wanted to speak and share their input before the board made its decision.
Other local LGBTQ+ organizations, like PFLAG and CampSilver, showed their support for the purchase of the property. Other attendees expressed their concerns.
Autumn McClellan, a 38-year-old community member and former assistant treasurer for the pride center, brought attention to other costs not discussed at the meeting, like funds required for maintenance, technology and furniture. The estimates should be available on the PCCNCF website, she said.
“I want to encourage the board to consider additional costs that don't seem to show up in the estimates,” McClellan said. “Cleaning the floors, cleaning the gutters and that kind of ongoing maintenance.”
Vertez Burks, an 83-year-old community member, expressed confidence in the board and its decision. Burks feels the new location will properly meet the needs of the community and looks forward to what the new space will bring, she said.
“You gotta take a chance,” Burks said.
Contact Alabama Weninegar at aweninegar@alligator.org. Follow her on X at @AlabamaW40513.
Alabama Weninegar is a first-year journalism major and The Alligator's Spring 2026 University General Assignment Reporter. She also works a part-time job at Wyatt's Coffee downtown. In her free time, she enjoys watching her favorite shows on a rainy day or re-reading the Twilight series.
