Bainbridge senior center project to break ground next week

It's taken some time, and some money, but the major makeover of the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center will finally start next week.

The project to remodel the Senior Community Center will begin on Monday, May 14. Construction on the building will bring down the west wing of the center to make way for a brand-new, 2,700-square-foot building.

"Monday won't be too much of an exciting day, just some fencing will go up, but through the week we will see some roofing coming off and things getting under way," said project manager Larry Ward.

When the project is finished, the new building will serve the same purposes as the old; it will contain a meeting room and some administrative space. It will also include a thrift shop.

After construction concludes, the city of Bainbridge Island and the senior center will enter into a lease agreement for 40 years.

The total project cost is approximately $500,000, half of which is covered by the city. The remaining portion of funds was raised by the Senior Community Center.

While construction is underway, the senior center administration will be located at the eastern portion of the center.

"The senior group and community will keep some limited functions in the east wing as the area from the commons on west is remodeled and reconstructed," said Lance Newkirk, director of public works.

In addition to the work on the west wing, the floor will be raised to match the rest of the center.

Local architect Peter O'Conner and Associates designed the new addition to the center, which will be built by Pacific Coast Development.

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer Richard D. Oxley at roxley@bainbridgereview.com or (206) 842-6613.

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