Construction under way on Strafford Senior Center

Construction began Jan. 2 on the Strafford Senior Center at the intersection of Bumgarner and Madison in Strafford.

The general contractor on this project is Larry Snyder & Company, which has offices in Branson and Joplin. The estimated cost of the senior center is almost $518,000.

The building, which should be complete on or before July 23, will comprise 6,000 square feet. The space will include a pool room for billiards; a crafts room with shelves and cupboards for supplies; a conference room for meetings; a lounge area; an office for the building director; and a dining area. The structure will be one story with a brick exterior.

"The rooms are all (located) around a big area: the dining and activity space," said Amy Boettcher, project manager with Pellham-Phillips-Hagerman at 1111 S. Glenstone.

The center will serve meals to seniors at lunch time, as well as delivering meals to those who are homebound.

"The big area has a cathedral ceiling which means it slopes up. Cathedral ceilings help with acoustics," she said. "The seniors may have dances there and rent it out for other activities when they're not using the building." The center is being paid for by Strafford area senior citizens. Boettcher said the seniors received a state grant and also are doing some fund raising.

"There's strong community support for this project," she said. "Local corporations and companies are giving the seniors money."

Additionally, Design Fabrications, in Springfield, donated $13,722 worth of steel necessary to the project, Boettcher said.

Boettcher did some of the drawings, on this project and worked with the clients on their budget. "We watch the fees and how the money is being spent on construction," she said.

Boettcher said Larry Snyder & Com-pany has been good to work with, especially in regard to the budget.

"They're conscious that the seniors have a tight budget," she said. "So, the contractor is finding ways to save them money. The contractor leveled the site which means a reduction in the amount of fill needed to be brought out to the location. Leveling the site saved the seniors $5,300 on construction costs."

The seniors are meeting at the First Baptist Church, in Strafford, 400 S. Madison, until the center is completed.