The renovation of the old YMCA building for Bedford’s new Senior Center remains on track for completion by the end of the year, the City announced in a Friday “sneak peek” Facebook posting.  The statement said the “majority of the new walls are in place, the restroom area is nearing completion and crews are beginning to paint the exterior brick.  In addition, crews are preparing the concrete for new flooring to be installed in the coming weeks.”

City Council awarded HCI Commercial the $3.28 million construction contract June 11 to convert the building.   $2.71 million (83%) was designated for HCI, while the remainder of the funds were designated toward Williams Tharp Architects, as well as furniture, fixtures and equipment.

As reported by the Bedford Journal Project, the funds for the new Senior Center were part of a $22 million bond package unanimously approved by the Council on May 28, which also included a new Central Fire Station, remodeling of the other two fire stations and other capital projects.  The $1.93 million difference for the project, according to the June 11 meeting agenda and Bedford Communications Director Molly Fox, came from the $17 million 2023A bond, also for capital projects, approved by Council August 8 of 2023.

When completed, according to the City’s website, the new Senior Center, located on the southeast corner of Central and Cummings, will include “various multi-purpose rooms, a lounge, fitness area, commercial kitchen, game room, craft/ceramics room, library nook, reception area, several offices for staff and restrooms.”