A large crowd of friends, neighbors and well-wishers gathered together on a sunny Sunday afternoon to witness the official ribbon cutting of the Crown Hill Center.

The old Crown Hill Elementary building was purchased by Small Faces Child Development Center, a 30-year tenant of the building, on June 30. And, on Aug. 16 if officially became the Crown Hill Center.

"This building has a long and wonderful history of serving the community," said 36th District Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, on hand for the ribbon cutting. "Now it is going to be an even stronger builder of community."

Jason Rhodes, president of the Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, sang the praises of two of the driving forces behind the creation of the Crown Hill Center – retiring Small Faces Executive Director Lynn Wirta and Crown Hill Center Project Manager Catharine Weatbrook.

He said Wirta has always been equated with stability and Weatbrook epitomizes hard work and dedication. Together, they demonstrate the qualities of the Crown Hill neighborhood, he said.

The ribbon cutting served as a kickoff for Wirta's retirement party. She had been with Small Faces since before it moved to the Crown Hill Elementary building.

"It's been a wonderful ride," Wirta said.

She said it is a good time for her to be leaving because the Crown Hill Center ensures that Small Faces will have a home for many years to come.

Wirta implored the crowd to keep having children and grandchildren so Small Faces can stay active. She also joked they could keep opening their wallets as well, pointing to a patch of peeling paint on the wall.

The Crown Hill Center, located at 9250 14th Ave. N.W., is home to Small Faces, ARC School of Ballet, Taj Yoga, Gitana Flamenco, Honey! I'm Home! Catering and the Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society, as well as about 60 groups that occasionally use the space.