For some time, New Community Church pastor Derek Dapena and his team have wondered how they can do more.
“Like a lot of churches, it’s really easy for a church organization to use a building on Sunday and then close it up for the rest of the week,” he says.
Realizing it was time to take a new approach with their nearly century-old organization, they shared the idea with Vista city officials, starting a journey in what Dapena calls ministry and marketplace.
“We had the same vision,” he says of their mission to beautify the city and bring people together.
Ascend Coffee Roasters owner Erin Harper and Dapena discussed the idea of a community space while her shop was still based in Old California Restaurant Row in San Marcos.
“He had this vision of creating something more for the community to give back to the community,” she says.
Along with serving food, drink, and a place to gather, Harper enjoyed offering events too.
Knowing that redevelopment of Restaurant Row would force her to move, she opened a second location in Carlsbad. Though it’s been successful, the new space isn’t big enough to host events.
When the former Walgreens building at 802 S. Santa Fe Ave. went up for sale, the church jumped at the opportunity to purchase it.
The Commons, as the building is now known, has been fully remodeled inside and out to fit the vision of a place accessible to all people. A sizable space with high ceilings, painted with a warm white interior, is indicative of the welcoming environment they hope to foster.
Dapena clarifies that they’re not a church with a coffee shop. Instead, they’ve partnered with other businesses for the common goal of creating a space of hospitality for all.
On Sundays, the church will meet at The Commons. The rest of the week, Ascend Coffee Roasters will serve up its regular menu of food and drinks, and once again offer everything from live music to recitals, art shows, book clubs and spoken word performances.
“It’s endless possibilities,” Harper says.
The interior is a large open space with several smaller meeting rooms. Along with complimentary Wi-Fi and outlets, Harper plans to have a quiet area sectioned off with a divider for those who wish to work or study. There are also patio areas perfect for families or those who want to simply enjoy the outdoors.
Ascend Coffee Roasters will host a soft open on April 24 and a full opening on April 28. Harper asks for grace during their soft open as it fine tunes details for the big day.
The Commons will also provide a holistic health space.
“Working at a coffee shop can sometimes be like working at a bar,” Harper says, sharing that she’s happy to lend an ear or give a hug but has always wished she could do more.
“We believe mental health is a very important and big conversation in our culture,” Dapena says, explaining that they will have designated offices staffed with mental health professionals. They will operate their business in that space, while also offering a portion of their time to helping people referred by the church and the coffee shop.
Group classes to give individuals tools to better their lives and help others will also be hosted.
Common Sense Events will help with the logistics of large-scale events at The Commons. With its expertise, the space can be a place for city meetings, quinceañeras, school events and more.
The Commons represents the power of community. Open to new ideas and ways they can use the space for good, Dapena says he is hopeful in this new chapter for everyone involved.
