Conceived as an idea to establish a facility where senior citizens and the community could gather to enrich their daily lives through programs and activities of recreation, health, fitness and general welfare, the Gem of the Hills Senior Citizen Community Center has become a popular site for weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, public meetings, and other community activities. The Activity Center, pictured above. Is a "must-see" stop on any visit to Blanco and the surrounding area. Completed in 1995, this modern 5,600 square foot building was constructed primarily by a group of highly dedicated seniors.

Its design is a textbook example of energy-conscious construction which capitalizes on passive and active solar radiation through the use of solar water heating, solar space heating, natural ventilation, and photovoltaic systems for parking lot and other lighting applications.