The path to developing this project began when Umatilla County (Oregon) sold the former fairground property on which the existing senior center was located. This catalyzed municipal leadership and the senior center leadership to explore options. Ultimately, the city sponsored an application for community block grant funding which, when approved, provided the bulk of funding for the design and delivery of a new senior center.
Our service for this project included the evaluation of suitable sites, programming facilitation, community engagement support, design and construction administration services for the new Harkenrider Senior Center.
The design offers a 7,200 square foot main floor that features an entry and foyer, great room/dining hall and commercial kitchen, two flexible use rooms for smaller events, and administrative office space. A 4,000 square foot unfinished basement provides storage, and space for future expansion as the center’s program offerings grow, and an elevator assures accessibility for all center users.
An adjacent informal seating area with fireplace offers a space for casual conversation and is visually connected to the great hall and its expansive views to the outdoors.