The City of Gadsden is moving forward with plans to construct a new facility in the Alabama City community.
Preliminary designs are currently underway to construct a new 10,000 – 13,000 sq. ft. Senior Wellness Center, and plans are to have the project out to bid this summer. This new facility will unfortunately need to replace the former Elliott Elementary School and Elliott Community Center, which was built in 1954, according to county records.
According to an Assessment Report completed in late 2019, the building has aged to the point that it’s not feasible to renovate and repair.
There are environmental issues, including asbestos, mold, and lead-based paint, as well as significant structural issues throughout the Center. Furthermore, the current building is functionally obsolete.
Therefore, the City of Gadsden has allocated $4.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for the new Senior Wellness Center. The new facility will assist the senior citizens of Gadsden, who have been one of the most affected groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan for the Senior Wellness Center is to focus on the health and well-being of seniors by providing a building and activities to accomplish this goal.
Preliminary plans are for the Senior Wellness Center to include the following:
- A large activity/banquet room
- Space for exercise/walking
- Dances
- Cooling and heating station
- Kitchen/Dining area
- Capability to accommodate the Senior Nutrition Program
- Courtyard/outdoor dining area
- Classrooms and exam rooms
- Telehealth
- Health screenings
- Medicare/Social Security assistance
- Computer training and other classes
- Recreation rooms
- Weights
- Pool table
- Card games
- Putting green
- Council on Aging Offices
- Senior community garden
- Pickle Ball Courts
- Outdoor walking area
While the Center will focus on seniors, all residents of Alabama City will benefit from having a new facility in their community.