The Council on Aging’s renovation project for the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center has hit a snag, forcing officials to revise plans and seek new bids.
The initial proposal, estimated at $150,000, aimed to transform the center’s outdated sunroom into a modern, year-round space. However, the sole bid received significantly exceeded the budget.
“We had a few people looking at it, and then we had one that was just too much — around $400,000,” said Lisa Hooper, COA executive director.
In response, project leaders have scaled back the scope to keep costs manageable and attract more local contractors.
Architect Walter Jacob explained the strategy: “We’ve taken out kind of the non-essential things within the project. The goal is to build the main structure under this contract, so then we can fall within a specific budget range that’s more palatable.”
The revised plan focuses on core improvements while deferring some amenities.
“We’re taking down a three-season building, it’s not insulated, not heated, and has no foundation, and putting up a permanent structure that’s heated, insulated and it will be four-season,” Jacob said. “What we did is we took out some other things like casework, benches and things like that can always be added later.”
Jacob noted, “The way public bidding works is if the budget’s below $150,000, then it’s a lower bar to be able to bid. It allows more local contractors.”
Despite the setback, Hooper remains optimistic about the project’s benefits for seniors.
“It will be one full room, you know, heating, air conditioning,” she said, highlighting the importance of consistent climate control for the comfort of center visitors.
The COA now anticipates project completion by spring 2025, a year delay from the original timeline. However, officials believe this revised approach will ultimately deliver a more flexible and sustainable solution for the community’s seniors.
The $150,000 project costs will be covered by a mixture of private donations, the Friends of the Council on Aging and a Shattuck Fund Grant.
