Concept drawing for the new Thompson Center in Appleton, June 24, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Leaders in the Fox Valley are moving forward with an effort to move into a new facility for some seniors in the area.
Preliminary plans revealed at Monday’s Town Hall Meeting show what a new senior center could look like in Appleton.
“This is an opportunity for us to bring our participants along, so they can learn about this next phase in the Thompson Center’s legacy,” said Dawn Gohlke, Thompson Center on Lourdes Executive Director.
Gohlke says currently, the Thompson Center on Lourdes occupies the top floor of an old school at St. Bernadette Parish on Appleton’s east side. She says the lease here is expiring and a growing senior population needs more room. The group plans to occupy the current, temporary Appleton Library on East College Avenue.
“This new space will be open-concept, and it will have movable walls, and doors, as well, so we can expand our classroom size, shrink it down, according to the participants at the time,” she said.
Fran Patrick says a new space is needed.
“I’m with the civic league, and put on the monthly events. And just being able to serve more people from the area,” said Fran Patrick, Appleton.
Diane Jaeger says she’s ready to move.
“A new space, without the hallway and everything much more updated. It’s going to be wonderful. Yeah, it’s going to be great. Looking forward to it. Can’t wait,” said Diane Jaeger, Kaukauna.
Dawn Gohlke says while the center may be new, the mission will largely remain the same.
“People really utilize the Thompson Center as a place to come. Meeting friends, battle against social isolation, create new connections, new friendships, and do what they love doing,” she said.
In the coming months, officials say they hope to finalize the drawings, as well as naming rights, and the final price tag.
Comments