Floor area would nearly double and current space would be updated
By: Molly Petrilla
WEST WINDSOR Township Council members and residents took a virtual flight over the township’s senior center Monday night when architect Michael Winkler presented his plans for renovating and expanding the building.
Under the architect’s proposal, the center would get a sizeable addition nearly doubling the current floor area and several updates to its existing space.
Mr. Winkler of Saizan & Winkler Architects had prepared detailed floor plans as well as a simulated video of the center, on which construction could begin as early as this spring.
He said the addition would contain a lobby and lounge area, a kitchen and two bathrooms. It would also consist of a 4,400-square-foot activity room that would be available for a variety of classes and events and seat up to 400 people.
The activity room would feature a small elevated stage and also include a full partition to allow two events to run simultaneously.
A full basement will also be built into the addition to be used for storing mechanical equipment and other items.
Mr. Winkler also said space would be left open on the site for an outdoor amphitheater to be added when funds become available.
The layout of the current senior center would remain largely the same, he said, but with some slight modifications and additions.
A new barrier-free bathroom and health suite would be installed, along with a conference room and a smaller activity room. The current activity room would be separated into four classrooms by movable dividing walls with waiting areas outside.
The senior center was founded in 1979 and moved to its current space in the municipal complex in 1989. Senior and Social Services Manager Lynn Thornton said Monday night that the renovations have been in the works for quite some time.
Two years ago, the township received a $500,000 matching grant from the county to go toward the project. It also acquired grants from the state totaling about $150,000, Township Administrator Christopher Marion said.
Ms. Thornton said the center put out various surveys to seniors over the past year and a half because "it’s their center and we wanted them to have a feeling of ownership right from the very beginning."
When Councilman Will Anklowitz asked if there were any changes the seniors had requested but did not see on the architect’s plans, Ms. Thornton said the plans reflect nearly every request, and that certain "extras" such as lockers will be acquired through fundraising efforts by groups including the Friends of West Windsor Senior Citizens.
"I think we did a good job of meeting most of their needs," she added.
Mr. Marion said he and the architect were seeking feedback from the council before finalizing costs and assembling bid specifications.
If all goes according to plan, that paperwork could be ready by January, and a contractor could be selected in the spring, he added.

