City of Traverse City to Begin Senior Center Rebuild Project
After years of planning, the City of Traverse City’s Senior Center rebuild project is becoming a reality with the approval of the construction agreement from the City Commission on Monday, August 21, 2203.
“The Senior Center Project marks an exciting milestone for the City after years of planning. The upcoming facility is set to embody the City Commission's and Parks and Recreation Division's shared vision of providing recreational opportunities that promote good health and foster social connections. Moreover, the Senior Center will be a space for seniors to come together and connect with each other and is a promising initiative that will greatly benefit our community,” stated City Parks and Recreation Division Superintendent, Michelle Hunt.
Project Elements
Square footage will increase from 5,780 to over 18,114 (including exterior spaces, such as patios). The building will be oriented to the north to open park space and views of the public beach from Front Street, and will include exterior covered spaces to maximize the outdoor opportunities and the views along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay.
Next Steps
- The Senior Center building has closed and access to indoor restrooms is no longer available.
- Senior Center Network Programming has moved to the VFW, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684, and will continue during the construction period.
- Access to the Racket Courts, outdoor restrooms, Senior Center Beach will continue through Labor Day Weekend. Access to the Racket Courts and outdoor restrooms will no longer be available beginning September 5, 2023. The City will provide notification when access to the Senior Center beach is affected.
- Preparation work at the site is anticipated in Mid-September.
- A groundbreaking ceremony is slated for Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 3 pm.
- Major construction to begin Monday, September 18, 2023.
- The Senior Center Building is to be completed by December 31, 2024.
- Additional amenities such as racket courts, shuffleboard courts, etc. will begin construction in spring 2025.
Project Cost & Funding
The Senior Center rebuild was anticipated to require planning for various project elements, some of which may be implemented at a later time due to funding constraints. The total cost for all elements of the project is $10,035,499.
Currently, approximately $8,100,000 of available funds have been identified, which include a commitment of City funds in the amount of $500,000 and the $7,000,000 allocation from the State of Michigan.
The City has identified various funding sources and intends to submit an application for a $2 million Michigan Community Center Capital Project Grant.