QA+M Architecture commissioned to design 30,000 s/f Windham community and senior center

Windham, CT The town approved, by 2-1 vote, a $10-million appropriation to build a new community and senior center.

QA+M Architecture is designing the new 30,000 s/f facility located at the site of the old Jillson Sq. theaters in the center of downtown. The new building will be the home for community, senior, and recreation activities. The design features multi-function and dining spaces, senior and social services offices, recreation offices, fitness and activity spaces, a full-size gymnasium and a six-lane swimming pool. The total construction cost is estimated at $14.6 million, which includes a $1.3 million grant from the state; and proceeds from the sale of the Kramer Building. Net construction costs are expected to be $12.7 million.

“We are delighted to help the Windham community achieve consensus on their Community and Senior Center project,” said Tom Arcari, QA+M Architecture’s principal-in-charge. “QA+M is looking forward to furthering our working relationship with the town and developing a sustainable building that not only meets Windham’s programmatic and recreational needs for the next 50 years, but also stands as the landmark for Willimantic’s downtown revitalization and a beacon for community redevelopment.”

Tom Arcari and project designer Cody Sanborn led a series of public workshops to develop community consensus throughout the design process and to shepherd the project through the municipal approvals process. Site configuration, recreation needs, traffic, accessibility, environmental impact, cost and state building aid were among the many matters of importance identified by residents of the town. Direct response to community issues played a key part in establishing the successful design solution.

QA+M Architecture’s preliminary project schedule has design and construction documents beginning in December, with the goal of a construction start in the summer of 2019.