MONROE - The Behring Senior Center has begun remodeling after a six-figure donation allowed for a parking lot expansion and an updated elevator system.
Ken and Pat Behring gave $130,000 in funds to the center on the condition the city match the donation. Ken Behring, a former Monroe resident who went on to build a successful career as a real-estate developer and who at one time owned the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, has been a long-time benefactor of the senior center, now named for him.
Assistant City Administrator Martin Shanks said the city was able to meet the amount, which made it possible to begin an expansion of the parking lot and to work on an elevator quickly becoming out of date.
Center Coordinator Tammy Derrickson said updates are needed for the senior center to accommodate a growing population of Baby Boomers. In 1996, the center served from 700 to 800 people; now they see roughly 2,300 seniors, totalling 33,000 visits last year.
Updates to the parking lot are dependent upon how long the weather remains favorable, Derrickson said. In order to lay more pavement, the streets department has already removed the playground equipment, which is due to be installed soon in Valley View Playlot on 2nd Avenue. Replacement of the 35-year-old asphalt will create room for roughly 20 more parking spots at the center.
"It's good to see the facility progress," Derrickson said. "It's great to see an old building function at its highest point."
The elevator, which is an original, currently passes state code requirements, but Derrickson said as time passes it becomes more and more out of date. Work to make the elevator current includes replacing a number of mechanical pieces and creating a more modern function through the use of hydraulics. There are also plans to build a fully accessible mechanics room. Derrickson said completion of the elevator work is slated for mid-February.
Ken and Pat Behring gave $130,000 in funds to the center on the condition the city match the donation. Ken Behring, a former Monroe resident who went on to build a successful career as a real-estate developer and who at one time owned the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, has been a long-time benefactor of the senior center, now named for him.
Assistant City Administrator Martin Shanks said the city was able to meet the amount, which made it possible to begin an expansion of the parking lot and to work on an elevator quickly becoming out of date.
Center Coordinator Tammy Derrickson said updates are needed for the senior center to accommodate a growing population of Baby Boomers. In 1996, the center served from 700 to 800 people; now they see roughly 2,300 seniors, totalling 33,000 visits last year.
Updates to the parking lot are dependent upon how long the weather remains favorable, Derrickson said. In order to lay more pavement, the streets department has already removed the playground equipment, which is due to be installed soon in Valley View Playlot on 2nd Avenue. Replacement of the 35-year-old asphalt will create room for roughly 20 more parking spots at the center.
"It's good to see the facility progress," Derrickson said. "It's great to see an old building function at its highest point."
The elevator, which is an original, currently passes state code requirements, but Derrickson said as time passes it becomes more and more out of date. Work to make the elevator current includes replacing a number of mechanical pieces and creating a more modern function through the use of hydraulics. There are also plans to build a fully accessible mechanics room. Derrickson said completion of the elevator work is slated for mid-February.