By Gerri Miller
Staff Writer
Olivia Venable couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for Millbrook’s senior citizens.
Venable, Millbrook’s senior program director, is pleased that the process for a brand-new senior citizens center is moving forward and about what the finished product will look like.
Construction on Millbrook’s new senior citizens’ center should start in about two months and be completed in six months, Stuart Peters, contract engineer and project manager to the city said after the Millbrook City Council meeting on Tuesday.
Peters told the Council that bid packages have been completed and the City will begin the bidding process soon. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held before construction begins.
The City of Millbrook received a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) in late 2019 to construct the new senior center on Grandview Road near City Hall. The Center will be constructed on the grounds of the former Ashlyn’s Cake Cottage. Currently, the City’s Senior Program operates out of the Millbrook Memorial Center, a dated building with limited space and amenities, that it must share with other groups.
The City will match the grant with $350,888. The grant is being used for site preparation, construction of the 4,200-square-foot senior center, architect/engineering fees and project administration. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission is managing the project for federal and state compliance.
Peters said the building design is finished and all grant requirements have been met. He said the center will have a roundabout drive-in area with attractive landscaping. He said the new center will mirror the concept of the Legacy Center on Deatsville Highway.
Ann Harper, economic development director for the City of Millbrook, said the new senior center will also have a 1600-square-foot social room, a classroom area, two office areas, a kitchen, and a large inviting front porch. She said the center will have a contemporary farmhouse look.
Venable said she can’t wait to get some rocking chairs on that front porch. “ I am very pleased that the project is moving forward,” she said. “I along with the 125 plus seniors we are currently serving per week are so happy and thankful. This is the first time our program will have a dedicated building where we can continue to develop and expand our program with a wide variety of services ranging from nutrition and wellness programs to social and recreational activities.
“It is important that our older citizens stay active and social.” she continued. “This is essential to quality of life. We can’t wait to get started!”
Venable told the Council Tuesday night that the current senior center will open on June 1st for curbside pickup of hot meals. She said although volunteers have been busy helping to feed seniors during the current health crisis, this will be the first time that they will have provided hot meals since social distancing recommendations were put in place.
