Construction has officially commenced for a new senior center in Owensboro-Daviess County, set to replace a nearly 90-year-old facility. The project, located on U.S. 60 West near Thompson-Berry Park and the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, has sparked excitement among local seniors and the broader community. “There is just so much excitement,” said David Tucker, Executive Director of the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County, during a recent interview.
The new center will span 23,000 square feet and feature a single-story design, complemented by a walking trail and a pond. The property will also include a parking lot capable of accommodating 150 vehicles. Hayden Construction of Daviess County is tasked with the construction, which began with groundbreaking in mid-June 2024.
In spring 2024, the city acquired the 8-acre site for the new facility, with a combined contribution of $5.5 million from both city and county governments. Additionally, the Daviess County government pledged up to $500,000 in matching funds based on the senior center’s fundraising efforts.
To support this initiative, the senior center has received significant grants, including $50,000 from the Dart Foundation in June and $100,000 from Owensboro Health. Tucker noted that contractors are currently preparing the ground for the building. “They have leveled the ground and are getting it ready where the building will set,” he explained in July. The foundation’s excavation is expected to commence in August, contingent upon favorable weather conditions.
The existing facility, located at 1650 West 2nd St., has operated out of a former elementary school since 1982. This building, constructed in 1936 as part of the Works Progress Administration, will reach its 90th anniversary by the time the new center opens, anticipated for late 2026.
Tucker emphasized the importance of keeping the community updated on the project. “We are trying every week, when we have large crowds, to make our rounds and give seniors any updates when we have them,” he said. As of July, the senior center had raised nearly $300,000 toward their $500,000 fundraising goal. This funding is crucial in unlocking the total match from the Daviess County Fiscal Court.
The center continues to actively seek donations and apply for additional grants to meet their financial target. “Whenever talking to people about the new facility, we make sure we include fundraising in the conversation,” Tucker added. Donations to support the new senior center can be made through their website at seniorcenterodc.com.
The new facility signifies a forward-looking approach to senior services in Owensboro-Daviess County, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for local seniors. As construction progresses, anticipation grows for a space that will foster community engagement and provide vital resources for the aging population.
