Last week the City of Boston released a set of artist renderings for the first time depicting what East Boston’s first ever Senior Center will look like once construction is completed.
Construction on the future senior center began over the summer at the former Bremen Street branch of the Boston Public Library across from Orient Heights MBTA station.
Throughout August and September, interior demolition took place, and construction started. Construction work on the senior center will include accessibility upgrades, new HVAC systems, new elevator, window replacements, landscaping, new utilities, new bathrooms, new kitchen, sprinkler system and roof replacement.
The renderings released by the city for the first time show the all glass, 850 square foot addition that will house the senior center’s main entrance, lobby, elevator and stairwell. The renderings also show the outdoor terrace that is part of the design.
“I’m proud to see construction is underway on the new senior center in Orient Heights, East Boston,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “In Boston, we are dedicated to making investments that directly benefit in our communities, and this senior center will be vital to increasing services for our older Bostonians.”
For decades East Boston’s senior citizens and senior groups like the Golden Age Club have been clamoring for their own space in the community. Currently, Eastie seniors share space at other non-profits for senior programs, social hours, parties and other events. A dedicated senior center would allow seniors to accomplish these things within the confines of their own permanent location.
Investments from Massport, through a mitigation struck with the Logan Impact Advisory Committee (LIAG), will help support the programming and operational needs of the newly renovated center once construction is complete.
“We are proud to join with Mayor Walsh to support this great project for the East Boston community,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “Massport strives to be a good neighbor to our surrounding communities. Over the years, with the help of East Boston residents and elected officials, we have fulfilled many community commitments in East Boston. Our support of this new Senior Center is a great example of these collaborative efforts.”
The City’s current budget for the design and construction is $5.43 million and the estimated completion date is fall 2021.
“I think this senior center is a wonderful opportunity for our community, and I thank Mayor Walsh and Massport for making it possible,” said Fran Carbone, who has been advocating for a senior center for the past five years. “Seniors look forward to having some substance every week. It’s going to empower us to have somewhere to go everyday and enjoy. Participating in the community process is a wonderful opportunity for us to put our happy wishes into the building. It feels like a dream–it’s finally coming to fruition. We have a lot of plans, and we are ready.”