Study About New Senior Center Enters Another Stage

The South Hill Senior Center is embarking on the next phase of a feasibility study that could lead to construction of a permanent home for it.

Currently the senior center is housed in leased commercial space at 2727 S. Mount Vernon, but its members are making plans to find a site and build a $1 million center.

The Spokane Parks and Recreation Foundation recently donated $6,500 to pay for the second phase of the study.

A consultant, Adams & Associates, has been hired to interview potential donors and seek support for funding.

Currently the center pays $37,600 a year to lease its 9,000-square foot space. The lease money would be available for mortgage payments if a new center is built.

The current facility does not have a commercial kitchen, so lunches and dinners are frequently prepared elsewhere. There aren’t enough classrooms, and some programs are held upstairs from the main office.

The preferred location for a new center would be near Lincoln Heights. About 2.5 acres are needed. The new building would be about 12,000 square feet.

At least three fund-raisers are planned.

A bridge-a-rama is scheduled for March 16 at 2 p.m. at the center. Entrants should call the center at 535-0803.

On April 13 the center will sponsor a tea dance from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Davenport Hotel.

Later in the spring, a plant sale is planned.

, DataTimes