KEENE, NH – The Keene Senior Center will close the doors at its location on Court Street and move down to Marlboro Street.
According to a news release, the center will be co-locating with Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services (HCS) at their facility at 312 Marlboro Street in Keene but will remain an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and Executive Director.
“The building at 70 Court Street building has served us well since 1962, but member needs have changed over the years and this building no longer supports those needs,” said Mary Jensen, Executive Director of the Keene Senior Center. “Physically and financially, it makes sense for the Senior Center to take advantage of the opportunity to partner with another organization with a similar mission statement, who also works with a similar demographic.”
Jensen goes on to say that parking at the Court Street location is extremely limited, and off-site parking has become increasingly difficult because of changes to street parking rules and nearby parking lots. She also noted that while the Court Street building maintains a level of charm, it also presents some physical challenges, particularly for those who use adaptive equipment.
According to the Keene Senior Center Board of Directors, the HCS facility has plenty of parking, and is already designed for older adults. The move will allow folks to access various activities and services all on one campus, including HCS services such as the Friendly Meals, transportation, foot care, and access to home care, in addition to programing and wellness activities that the Center already offers.
HCS will continue to offer adult day services in the Senior Center space, which will provide more opportunities for activities and socialization for participants.
“This colocation provides a lot of synergy for the growing number of older residents in the region,” said Maura McQueeney, CEO at HCS. Our staff is now field based with technology, so our space needs have changed. This opportunity is so positive for the region’s older adults to be able to access so many services on one campus.”
Details on the timeline of the move have not been finalized. The building at 70 Court Street is listed for sale for $665,000, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 6,270 square feet.
