The City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will host a ribbon cutting and public tour of the new Traverse City Senior Center Monday at 3pm.

Located at 801 East Front, the new $10 million facility - which has been under construction the last year - has expanded from 5,780 square feet to over 18,000 square feet, including covered patios and outdoor spaces. "With its northward orientation, the center boasts expansive views of the park, the public beach, and West Grand Traverse Bay, offering an enhanced setting for senior recreation and engagement," according to a city release. Amenities of the new facility include: 

> Sustainability – Incorporating green roofs, pervious pavement, electrification throughout the building including geothermal systems
> Accessibility – Improved access to the beach, outdoor spaces, and restrooms
> Modern Amenities – A commercial kitchen, updated furnishings, and state-of-the-art equipment
> Recreational Opportunities – New tennis and pickleball courts, a pool table, meeting spaces, and a fitness room
> Enhanced Convenience – Covered drop-off areas and outdoor patios

"The Senior Center is one of the most significant projects the city has completed, and we are honored to provide our senior community with a state-of-the-art facility that fully embraces its beautiful location," says City Manager Liz Vogel. "Equipped with top-tier amenities for senior programming, this space reflects our commitment to enhancing quality of life. We extend our deepest gratitude to the State of Michigan, local leadership, private donors, the Friends of the Senior Center, and everyone who supported this effort along the way."

Under an intergovernmental agreement, Grand Traverse County’s Senior Center Network manages daily operations and programming at the city-owned facility. The Senior Center Network will begin full programming in the new building starting Monday. "To ease the transition and welcome the community, the center will be open to the public for informal visits from 4pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday, from February 3 through February 14," according to the city release. "Visitors are encouraged to stop by to explore the facility, learn about program offerings, and inquire about memberships. All current Senior Center Network programming, including daily lunch services, will seamlessly transition to the new facility on February 3 with no disruptions anticipated."

Senior Center Network membership is open to those between 50-59 for $10 annually or free for 60+ in Grand Traverse County, with seniors in neighboring counties like Benzie, Leelanau, and Antrim able to join for $50 annually.

The facility will be serviced by the free BATA Bayline, which will stop at the corner of Front and Barlow (westbound) every 15 minutes. Requests for door service can be made and accommodated if time allows. BATA will temporarily deviate the outbound Bayline Aero Park (eastbound) loop to the front entrance of the Senior Center building. This deviation will last for two weeks and may continue based on ridership and usage. BATA Link is always available for direct drop-off at the Senior Center. More information is available online or by calling 231-941-2324.

A larger community celebration is planned to follow this spring to commemorate the opening of the new facility.