Work Continues On New Downtown Senior Center

From Mayor Bill Finch:

City senior citizens who utilize the Eisenhower Center will be moving soon to a brand new facility on Golden Hill Street, as part of a unique partnership with city developer Phil Kuchma. Kuchma is renovating the building at 307 Golden Hill Street, and in return he is taking over the Eisenhower Center building to transform it into a fitness center, home of the Downtown Cabaret Theatre and a planned restaurant.

The City’s Public Facilities Director Charles Carroll announced today that during the next few weeks, seniors will be utilizing space in the Margaret E. Morton Government Center for their activities–including ceramics, exercise and lunches–for approximately six to eight weeks while asbestos abatement work is performed at the Eisenhower Center.

“We heard from our seniors that it is important to maintain these activities during the transition and make every effort to keep the group together,” Mayor Finch said.

Seniors will have lunch daily and other activities, including ceramics in the Morton Center. The Renters Rebate Program also will be available during this time at the Morton Center. Seniors who utilize the pool at the Eisenhower Center will have access to the pool and gym at Fitness 4000 on Park Avenue at no charge; transportation will be provided as necessary.

“The new facility will provide seniors with enhanced services and all the bells and whistles expected in a beautifully renovated building,” said Mayor Finch. “Safety is everyone’s concern, so the current building must be vacated while the asbestos abatement work is performed.”

City officials will be meeting with senior program participants early next week to review all the details of this transition in an effort to make it as seamless as possible.