The long-awaited Auburn Senior Center will soon be open to the public, as it has recently been released to the city from the architect. After two years of planning and several months of construction, the city of Auburn’s Senior Center is done.
The center, which is located behind the city park across from the senior apartments, became a reality when the city received a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in 2010 for the project. The city of Auburn also chipped in an additional $100,000 for the project.
The project took a little longer than anticipated because of cost and a downsizing in plans to make it a reality. The city bid out the project a few times, but kept having to go back to the drawing board because it was too expensive. C&C Construction was awarded the bid to build the center.
The 4,084 square foot facility includes an activities room, warming kitchen, restrooms and office space. When entering through the front door, you are met with a very large room complete with a floor to ceiling stone fireplace. The warming ambiance of this center is sure to be inviting to all who use it. The structure will also be rented out to the community during the times when the seniors are not occupying it
Building the center was one of former Auburn Mayor Dewey Roche’s goals. He says his dream was to have a center for the city, one like the other cities in Logan County have. Auburn has had two senior centers in the past, said Roche, but they eventually died off with those who frequented them. He said he thought there were many in Auburn who would utilize such a place.
The center is expected to be open sometime in March. The city is planning a ribbon cutting and a grand opening.
A few volunteers have already come forward to help monitor the center while open, since the city does not have it in their budget to hire someone at this time. The city will paying for the monthly utilities at the center. Funds generated from renting the space will also help keep it open.
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