Westborough architect presents consolidated plan for multi‑generational community center; project estimates $11.5M–$15.5M

The Select Board, jointly meeting with the Council on Aging and the Recreation Commission, heard a schematic presentation from BHNA on plans to reconfigure the former Stein Mart and Boston Sports Club at 1500 Union Avenue into a multigenerational community center with a significantly expanded senior center.

"The construction cost is $11,500,000 for the entire project," architect Joel Bargmann said, adding that "the total project cost is $15.5 million" once design, project management, bonding and other soft costs are included. Bargmann described a consolidated "Option 4" that combines the lowest‑impact, midrange and full‑build alternatives to create a connected ground‑floor senior center and a second‑floor recreation area with a walking track, gym spaces and pool renovations.

Why it matters: the plan would increase dedicated senior‑center space to about 15,200 square feet, add a 4,000‑square‑foot multipurpose/auditorium room that can be arranged for dining or performances, and create flexible program rooms and future build‑out areas. The design also includes features required for emergency‑shelter use, such as a kitchen with service access and locker/restroom capacity.

Bargmann said outreach data informed much of the program: survey respondents prioritized a walking track, group exercise and swimming. He noted tradeoffs the team weighed, saying the design currently does not include a large dedicated cardio or commercial weight‑training room "because there are YMCAs and private fitness centers" and because such spaces carry higher staffing, insurance and cost implications. Bargmann said lower‑impact equipment and the walking track would provide cardio opportunities, with additional build‑out possible later if demand warrants.

Residents asked about specific uses and operations. One common concern was scheduling: seniors asked whether there would be senior‑only hours for pool and track use. Town staff said scheduling can reserve blocks of time for seniors (for example, morning sessions), but detailed operational policies would be set after the design and during programming work. Acoustics between the gym and first‑floor senior spaces and noise mitigation were also flagged; the design team said acoustic consultants will refine wall and stair placement to limit sound transfer.

Funding and process: town staff said the Select Board will guide schematic design and the town expects to form a building committee to finalize design and prepare a funding request for town meeting. The presentation named some potential funding sources under consideration, including approximately $1.8 million in a sale‑of‑real‑estate account and roughly $7 million tied to Pulte‑related receipts; grants tied to emergency‑shelter features remain under exploration. Peter Allen, a resident, urged the town to consider committing to sell the existing senior‑center building as part of a financing package to make a town‑meeting vote more viable.

Next steps: the project team plans additional outreach, including sustainability working sessions and two public charrettes in early September (one at the senior center) to produce a preferred schematic and refined cost estimate by the end of the month. The Select Board will then decide a scope to bring forward as a single funding warrant article to town meeting.

The joint meeting ended after a roll‑call adjournment vote.