FREMONT—Central air conditioning is just one of the upgrades in store this year for the historic home that accommodates Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center.

Sister of Mercy M. Gloria Auer, executive director of Our Lady of the Pines, says major improvements to the kitchen and dining rooms are to be completed this month, and renovations to the rest of the building are to continue through November.

Our Lady of the Pines is located in a house that was built in 1874 by a wealthy local jeweler. The Sisters of Mercy purchased it and added on to the building in 1925, and it has been used as a retreat center full-time since 1960.

“We’re trying to keep the ambiance and beauty of this old building,” says Sr. Auer.

Improvements to the retreatant quarters will include fresh paint, refurbished floors, new carpet and modernized bathrooms. Handicapped facilities are being added and a new elevator is to be installed. Two additional hermitages are also being built on the property.

For more information on Our Lady of the Pines, visit www.pinesretreat.org.