Mae Flexer

Windham Legislators Announce Senior and Community Center New Location Approval Plan approved by State Bond Commission

State Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham), State Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) and State Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester) applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval today of a change in venue for the planned Senior and Community Center in Windham from 1315 Main Street to 1 Jilson Square.

The Commission had previously awarded funding in 2013 for the purchase and reconstruction of the Main Street building owned by the Access Community Action Agency for use as a Senior and Community Center. Today’s approval was requested by the town of Windham and Sen. Flexer and Reps. Johnson and Orange. It clarifies that the existing funding can be used toward the same purpose, but at the Jilson Square location.

“I am thrilled that the State Bond Commission approved the change in location for the senior and community center in Windham,” said Sen. Flexer. “This project is another example of a good investment for our community, particularly in this area of our downtown. There are critical investments that are being made by the state, the town, local businesses and philanthropists up and down Main Street. These combined efforts will continue to revitalize our downtown and create a very bright future. The Senior and Community center will be a much needed and welcome addition to Windham.”

“We’ve worked hard to secure the funds for the center, and today’s approval means that we have cleared the last major hurdle before construction can begin,” Rep. Johnson said. “A new Senior and Community Center will be a great resource for Windham residents and build on previous investments to revitalize the downtown area. I’d like to thank Governor Malloy and the Bond Commission for the previously awarded funding and for now allowing that grant to be used toward the new location.”

“The Senior and Community Center will be a great asset to Windham residents as it provides a central location for groups to gather, activities to be held, and for residents to enjoy themselves,” Rep. Orange said. “I’m appreciative that the Bond Commission has approved the change in venue for this center and am thrilled that residents will soon be able to use all the services the center is planned to offer once constructed.”

The Town of Windham learned in December of 2016 that the Agency had elected to sell the Main Street property to a different buyer. The former Jilson Square Cinema building was chosen as the new location for the center soon after.

The Town Council has purchased the former cinema and authorized the remodeling of approximately 10,000 square feet of the space.

The project is estimated to cost $3,250,000 in total. The town will contribute $1,906,365, with $1,343,635 of the cost covered by the state funds.