$1.2 Million Senior Center Opens Thursday in Semmes

Posted on: Apr 10th, 2013 | Announcements

The Mobile County Commission will open the doors to a $1.2 million senior center in Semmes at a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 11, at the former Blackwell-Batson Estate, 9635 Moffett Road. The 4,000 square foot space is designed to offer up a variety of social and health amenities to residents 62 years of age and older. ?It?s a sorely needed facility in terms of a social and recreational venues,? said Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, who envisioned the project and initiated partnerships and funding in 2010. ?It will have a major impact on the quality of life in Semmes.? The primary force behind the large regional Mobile Senior Center on Hillcrest Road, Commissioner Hudson said she believes the new facility will become a similar kind of social hub for seniors from throughout the Semmes area. A total of $1 million in federal Community Development Block Grants made the project possible, along with considerable input from the county?s Grants, Engineering and IT Departments. The commissioner has worked closely with the people of the Semmes community as well. The Semmes Woman?s Club raised $130,000 for furnishings and equipment and is financing the center?s annual operations. The Semmes Senior Center will include: ? A Fitness Center with equipment for exercise and weight training; ? A Multi-Purpose room for classes ranging from arts and crafts to educational seminars; ? A Billiards Room with two billiards tables and two TVs; ? A conference Room with seating for 12 and a built-in computer lab; ? An outdoor porch; ? A dining area and hospitality room for cards and games. The new facility will have a program director and will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Once programming is underway, there will be meals provided at the Center that may be purchased. Cost of membership is $40 a year, which will help fund maintenance and operations. ?This will be a great venue for all seniors, but particularly for those who may be widowed and are looking to re-establish social ties in the community,? said County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. ?An active life is important for seniors to keep them engaged and challenged,? noted County Commissioner Jerry Carl. ?The seniors in Semmes will have those opportunities at the new senior center.? The Blackwell-Batson Estate was purchased in 2011 for $335,000. The architect for the project is Goodwin, Mills & Cawood Inc., and construction was awarded to Youngblood-Barrett Construction & Engineering LLC. The grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place as scheduled, rain or shine. Extra parking will be provided at Cornerstone Baptist Church located on Moffett Road directly across the street from the entrance to the new senior center. Sheriff?s deputies will be at the event to direct traffic at the location.