Municipal

$10M Approved for Community and Senior Center

Willimantic, CT – The town of Windham has approved a $10-million appropriation to build a new community and senior center.

Windham Community and Senior Center/photo by QA+M Architecture

QA+M Architecture is designing the new 30,000sf facility located at the site of the old Jillson Square theaters in the center of downtown Willimantic.

The design features multi-function and dining spaces, senior and social services offices, recreation offices, fitness and activity spaces, a full-size gymnasium and a six-lane swimming pool.

QA+M Architecture’s preliminary project schedule has design and construction documents beginning in December of 2018, with the goal of a construction start in the summer of 2019.

The total construction cost is estimated at $14.6 million, that includes a $1.3 million grant from the State of Connecticut and proceeds from the sale of the Kramer Building. Net construction costs are expected to be $12.7 million.

Tom Arcari and project designer Cody Sanborn led a series of public workshops to develop community consensus throughout the design process. Site configuration, recreation needs, traffic, accessibility, environmental impact, cost and state building aid were among the many matters of importance identified by local residents. Direct response to community issues played a key part in establishing the design solution.