Colorado Springs Senior Center
Why
The Senior Center is an innovative partnership between the City of Colorado Springs and the YMCA that provides a space for adults 55 and up to stay active, participate in activities, have a meal, and form connections. Because the facility, originally built in 1974, was outdated and in need of considerable maintenance, the City of Colorado Springs decided to invest in the design and construction of a new Senior Center.
How
Throughout the design process, RTA worked closely with stakeholders, including the Senior Center Program staff, City leadership, and Participants at the center. Goals and direction of the project were established using Lean Principles. Site plans were evaluated with input from the public. The design team modeled options to illustrate the design concepts to the Design Advisory Group. As a team a direction was selected that best-fit tenants established at the beginning of the design process:
- Welcoming
- Easy to navigate
- Easy Vendor Access
- Maximize outdoor space
- Express activity
- Good Circulation/Flow
- Universal Design Principles
What
The new 23,000 sf single-story building will be adjacent to the current Senior Center, which will be demolished. The larger building will allow the Senior Center to expand existing programs, add new programs, and serve more patrons. The facility will feature a lounge with a demonstration kitchen, a commercial warming kitchen with an office and pantry, five classrooms, a multipurpose room with a folding partition, a fitness room, a technology hub, a staff work area with a meeting room, multiple restrooms, two health clinics, and storage spaces. Improvements will be made to traffic flow, accessibility, and parking. Walking paths will be added to the site, allowing patrons and staff to enjoy nature.
Project Details
Size: 23,000 sf
Cost: $9.8m (est.)
Design Details
- Two exam rooms for health clinics
- Dedicated dining room with outdoor patio
- Fitness room with access to outdoor activity lawn
- Demonstration kitchen