Announcing Elings Square
Honoring Dr. Virgil Elings for His Transformative Gift
We are thrilled to share that our new building—set to open in mid-2026—will be named Elings Square in honor of Dr. Virgil Elings’ gift of $1,000,000.
Elings Square will be the home of the Center—a vibrant, welcoming place where seniors can gather, connect, and thrive. This naming recognizes Dr. Elings extraordinary generosity to our community and his deep commitment to enhancing the lives of others throughout our Valley.
We’re so proud that we are the first building in the Santa Ynez Valley that will bear his name!
Dr. Virgil Elings at his Vintage Motorcycle Museum, photographed by SYV News.
A Community Shaped by Generosity
Dr. Virgil Elings, physicist and entrepreneur, is known across Santa Barbara County as a visionary philanthropist and longtime supporter of community-focused organizations. His generosity has advanced health, science, education, and recreation—and now, he is helping strengthen the well-being of seniors in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Some of Dr. Elings’ other impactful contributions include:
$4 million to establish the Elings Oncology Building at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and he has contributed millions to Sansum Clinic for the Elings Pavillion and Elings Eye Center
A multi-million dollar gift to UC Santa Barbara supporting the naming of Elings Hall, and major gifts to support Elings buildings at Iowa State University and Grand View University
A major gift of $5+million to support Cottage Hospital and name its Santa Barbara lobby
Funding free colonoscopy programs for uninsured residents, earning him Philanthropist of the Year in Santa Barbara County
$1.5 million to purchase land to expand Las Positas Park—now Elings Park—featuring fields, trails, a BMX track, and paragliding areas
Continued support to UCSB, Elings Park, United Boys and Girls Clubs and the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy
A Lasting Impact on Our Center
Thanks to Dr. Elings’ generous contribution to our capital campaign, Elings Square will be our permanent home for the connections, conversations, and programs that make this Center so special.
“Naming this space for Dr. Elings underscores the profound difference one individual can make,” said Linda Johansen, Capital Campaign Co-Chair.
“His leadership gift, along with the other major donations from foundations, individuals and governmental agencies, ensures that this new building will be a place of warmth, vitality, and joy for generations to come.”
Executive Director Ellen Albertoni added “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Elings for believing in our mission and helping make our growth possible”.
And if you’ve never gone, make sure you visit the Motorcycle Museum he created in Solvang – it’s full of the most varied collection of motorcycles that he’s collected over the years!