Updates from the Senior Center Building Committee

Updates from the Hampden Senior Center Building Committee

In October of 2022, the Hampden Board of Selectmen established the Senior Center Building committee. The mission of the Committee was to review the future program and spatial needs of the Hampden Senior Center for the coming 50 years. The Senior Center building has not undergone any physical changes since being constructed in 2000. Since its inception, the Building Committee has held twice monthly meetings to review current programs, input from the staff, the physical condition of the structure, as well as reports from previous consultants. The committee has also received feedback from the residents of Hampden through a survey conducted in April of 2023.

The Building Committee studied demographics in Hampden and surrounding communities to provide additional support for future needs. Utilizing the information gained during the past 16 months, the Committee prepared a list of possible building renovations and a potential addition to accommodate existing and future programs.

In the summer of 2023, the Building Committee requested proposals from qualified firms specializing in senior needs and Senior Center spatial requirements. Three firms submitted proposals. After review of the proposal and subsequent interviews, the Committee recommended EDM Studio, Inc. of Unionville, Connecticut. Following Hampden’s Fall Town Meeting approval of funding, a contract with EDM was awarded by the Selectmen.

This winter, the Committee has been working with EDM and its subconsultant Life Span Design Studio to identify critical needs and prepare preliminary building layouts to address those needs. The Committee has selected a possible Senior Center expansion plan but is awaiting preliminary construction cost numbers prior to finalizing a plan.

The Hampden Senior Center Building committee, which meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month, is planning on having a proposal for building renovation and expansion ready for the Spring town Meeting. Town of Hampden residents are welcome to attend the meetings, and are encouraged to obtain addition information from the Committee on the Town of Hampden website: https://www.hampdenma.gov/senior-center-building-committee.

Committee Members: Don Collins (chair), Gary Weiner (Vice Chair), Rita Vail (Clerk), Cliff Bombard, Mike Doran, Mike Fedora, Bobbi Grant, Carol Keeney, John Matthews