For Immediate Release July 3rd, 2025
LAKE ISABELLA, CA - Sierra Shared Spaces has reached a major milestone on its way to creating transformational change in the Kern River Valley. Sierra Shared Spaces is proud to announce the acquisition of property in Lake Isabella for the development of the Lake Isabella Community Hub. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the nonprofit’s mission to create collaborative workspaces and community resources for residents of the Kern River Valley.
The property, located at the corner of Suhre St and Turner Ave in Lake Isabella, will be transformed into a multi-purpose facility designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and community connection. The Community Hub will host training programs, classes, and workshops, and it will provide shared office space for small businesses, local and regional nonprofits, remote workers, and students. The Community Hub will feature a large modern community event space, and will be designed to serve the unique needs of our rural community, including serving as a disaster resilience center during and following natural disasters and public safety events.
“We have an incredible community with endless potential,” said Justin Powers, President of Sierra Shared Spaces. “This investment will allow the community to take more control over the economic future of the Kern River Valley. I’ve been dreaming of a collaborative space in Lake Isabella since before we opened Kernville Cowork in 2018, but it’s really been the past two years that we’ve been working towards creating the Community Hub. Securing this land represents more than just a new building - it’s an investment in the future of the Kern River Valley.”
Sierra Shared Spaces is partnering with international pioneers in collaborative spaces and Social Purpose Real Estate. Leading the planning and design phase is Creative Blueprint, a firm that specializes in community-led placemaking. Creative Blueprint founder Ashley Proctor has been developing community hubs, land trusts, creative, cultural, and coworking spaces across North America for more than 20 years. “The Community Hub in Lake Isabella is being co-designed and co-created by local residents” said Ashley Proctor. “We work in partnership with the project team and the community to transform ideas into impact, and this is a unique opportunity to create impact that will last for generations.”
Sierra Shared Spaces has begun the planning and design, with the goal of being shovel ready by late 2026. Construction is projected to begin shortly after. Fundraising is currently underway to support the development of the hub. Once operational, the hub will be self-sustainable, providing space, services, resources, education, and employment opportunities for local residents.
The organization plans to continue engaging community members throughout the process and beyond construction to ensure the hub is always meeting the diverse needs of Kern River Valley residents.
A community celebration will be held at the newly acquired property on Friday, July 18th at 4pm. The public is invited to attend.
Sierra Shared Spaces is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging shared workspaces, partnerships, and community engagement to lift up economically disadvantaged and underserved rural communities, starting with the Kern River Valley.