MANCHESTER — The estimated cost to convert a former church into a new senior center has come in higher than officials expected. The town’s Board of Directors thought turning the Concordia Lutheran Church on Pitkin Street, which it bought for $1.5 million, into a new town facility would be close to $19 million. Now, the town is looking at a $27.7 million project. Mayor Jay Moran, when first hearing the price, said he felt there was a sense of “sticker shock” around the table after listening to a presentation from an architectural firm that went over three different options, with the one suggested by the town’s 21st Century Senior Center Task Force being the most costly. That plan, though, would fully convert the church into a facility with adequate space for all of the desired programming needs the town has as it works to replace its senior center, which is currently located in a former school building that is over 100 years old. Chris Wente, a principal with edmSTUDIO, noted some challenges with the building that have driven the price up. “One of the biggest challenges for this piece of property are the multiple levels this building has,” Wente said. “For a senior center it’s not ideal to have multiple levels you’re dealing with. There’s multiple entry points. For a senior center, it’s important to control the different points of entry to know who’s coming and going.”
Manchester senior center estimate jumps from $19 million to nearly $28 million
