Milwaukee County unveiled a proposal for upgrading its offerings for the aging population with a plan to relocate the Kelly Senior Center to South Milwaukee. County Executive David Crowley, along with the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to create a new haven for older adults by repurposing the historic Heritage Building on the Bucyrus-Erie campus, bringing with it, expansions in space and programming, as reported by Milwaukee County's official news release.
This new senior center is projected to sprawl over 22,000 sq. ft., effectively doubling the current size, and equipped with improved amenities for its patrons. Crowley was quoted in the news release, expressing that the "aging population continues to grow, we must advance creative solutions to ensure our older adults have vibrant, accessible spaces with exceptional programming and amenities," according to Milwaukee County. The initiative arrives on the heels of the closing of South Shore YMCA and Chester W. Grobschmidt Senior Center, leading to increased participation and overcrowding at Kelly Senior Center.
The proposed project, still in its fledgling phase, has already been met with enthusiasm by local officials. South Milwaukee Mayor James Shelenske supported the initiative, stating that it’s "amazing to see new life breathed into this historic location, and we are pleased to contribute to this project," as reported by Milwaukee County. An initial tour was conducted with COA members and South Milwaukee representatives to ensure that the revamped space would adhere to the seniors' needs based on feedback from listening sessions.
Moreover, the relocation effort is not just about increased square footage but includes enhancements such as new green and recreational spaces. Additionally, there is ample parking, and the Older Adult Transportation Service (OATS) will provide convenient transport services for those who do not drive. The development's expected cost is fixed at $1.1 million, a value juxtaposed against the Lawrence P. Kelly Senior Center's looming $2.5 million in needed capital repairs. As Milwaukee County's news release stated, "Even with a substantial capital investment, the current Kelly Senior Center would not meet the programmatic needs of senior users." Construction could commence in a nine-month timeframe following the signing of the lease agreement.
Feedback from community members underscores the significance of this development. Janice Wilberg, Chair of COA, told the news release that she has enjoyed the camaraderie at the Kelly Senior Center for activities like tai chi, despite the building's current state of deterioration. Wilberg views the Bucyrus site project as "the reimagining that we’ve been pushing for and it’s great to see this moving forward,” according to Milwaukee County. The COA aims to adapt the center to the growing demands of a burgeoning senior population and pave the way for more holistic and engaging elder care services.
