After 30 years of serving the Redmond community, the senior center building is being demolished. To honor the services and memories at the building, the city has created a collection of Redmond Senior Center (RSC) photos and video slideshow.
The senior center first closed in September 2019 after flooding caused exterior structural issues, then an investigation from the Parks department later that year found the structural integrity of the whole building was compromised.
For months through community input and multiple council discussions, the city worked to decide on demolishing and rebuilding, as opposed to renovating what structurally remained of the old RSC, as previously reported by Redmond Reporter.
Majority of the feedback from 2,500 participants showed the community believed a larger facility was needed to serve the RSC. The existing recreation services underserve the Redmond senior community, according to city staff’s summary of the feedback.
The final decision on the RSC was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though staff were hoping to deliver construction of the new building within three years. In June, the city council voted to decommission and demolish the RSC.
Pending council approval, the city plans for construction on the RCS site, once demolished, of a larger center. The new building would be 42,000 square feet costing at least $46.7 million.
According to city documents, the city has $15 million set aside for the new construction, and the additional $30 million will need to come from outside sources, including possible tax revenues or state appropriated funds.
The senior center opened in June 1990 under Redmond Mayor Doreen Marchione. The center hosted a variety of senior activities, programs, interest groups, meals and volunteer opportunities. Both the memory pamphlet and video feature a variety of photos from recent years at the center, holiday events, and spotlight rooms like the crafter’s gallery.
A decision on the future RSC building is expected by the city council on Oct. 22.
The closed Redmond Senior Center on Oct. 13. Community members leave ribbons in the heart to honor the memories of the to-be-demolished center. Haley Ausbun/staff photo.
