Since purchasing the lot next door to their current senior dining site, Generations Building Team members have been working with architects on how to best use the new spaces.
They approved drawings Monday, just in time for the Dec. 22 “Marlene and Darlene Present the Nutcracker,” which will be a fundraiser at the Palace Theatre for the $3 million building project.
Falls Studio Architect Jeff Nelson’s drawings of the new Generations facility show 9,953 square feet of functional space, including seating for 112 in the main dining room with an overflow room that could accommodate an additional 56.
The new kitchen layout will enable staff to be more efficient with food preparation and serving and will include a walk-in freezer and walk-in cooler that have been desperately needed but absent in the current facility.
The plan includes three multipurpose rooms that will be available for social, physical and educational activities to benefit members. These rooms will also be available for community and private events.
It will be built directly west of the current Generations dining room on a 100-by-135-foot lot purchased from Terry and Mary Thone, who will move their house and two garages to a different location.
When the new building is completed, the current dining room and Lincoln House will be demolished, and that entire property will be converted to 48 parking spaces.
The organization will keep its current address of 319 East Lincoln Street.
“This was our third option, but if all options would have been on the table to start with, this would have been our choice,” said Generations President George Bonnema.
“It just evolved and we couldn’t be happier with our choice.”
He said progress toward a new facility followed several different courses ranging from an addition to the current dining room, a total rebuild in the current location, a total rebuild to the north and other options.
“As we tried maneuvering through the other scenarios, I admit that we lost the momentum we started with,” he said. “But I am confident we will pick right back up where we left off and get this project moving forward.”
Meanwhile, he and the Generations group are working to change perceptions of who seniors are and their role in the community.
“Our membership has increased dramatically, and the level of energy and involvement is easily measurable,” Bonnema said. “Progress has to happen with the program as well as the building, and thanks to our new meal site coordinator, Lynette Hoiland, we are learning how to have fun.”
With the construction price tag now at nearly $3 million, Bonnema said he doesn’t see supporters balking at the new number.
“Yes, that is a chunk of cash, but the community does understand the need,” he said.
“The fact that this is not a temporary project supports the necessity of getting the project completed. We are not going to run out of old people.”
He acknowledges 60-year-olds won’t be quick to join, but he said their day will come.
“They too will become 70, and 80 and 90, and they will need the opportunity and support Generations is committed to provide,” Bonnema said.
The “Marlene and Darlene” fundraising event, starring Brenda Winter and DJ Luethje, takes the stage at the Palace Theatre in Luverne on Sunday, Dec. 22, with performances at 2 and 7 p.m.
“Prepare to be entertained with humor that makes sense — sort of, but is hilarious nonetheless,” Bonnema said. “Their goal is $50,000 and I’d like to believe we can make that happen.”