The Battle Ground City Council’s unanimous approval to remodel its 50-year-old senior center was met with applause last week following years of anticipation from the senior community.
On Monday, Jan. 6, the council awarded the project to ATK Construction following a year of design work by city staff. The remodel aims to modernize the city-owned center, enhancing both its functionality and aesthetics.
For many in the senior community, the updates are long overdue. Members of Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc. (BGSC), a local senior enrichment group, attended the meeting to show their support. BGSC President Sharon Wodtke shared that the group advocated for this remodel for the past three years.
“It was built in 1975. So, as of 2025, it is 50 years old. It has only had one small upgrade in those 50 years,” Wodtke explained.
The project’s base bid totals $400,192.09, and the remodel includes asbestos abatement, a covered patio, kitchen and bathroom remodels, storage and event room updates, siding replacement and fencing. Wodtke emphasized the importance of these improvements, particularly the patio and kitchen updates.
“The kitchen [remodel] is probably the most important one to all of the people who rent that building. Most of those appliances are 50 years old,” Wodtke said.
In addition to the base bid, the council approved three optional upgrades: replacing the HVAC system for $89,052, updating windows and ceilings for $30,408, and replacing the roof, downspouts and gutters for $45,612. These additions bring the total project cost to $565,264.09.
“I think it will cost us quite a bit more to break those up in the long run, and I think we’ve done HVAC units on everything apart from that, right?” Deputy Mayor Shane Bowman asked. “... I would just rather get it done.”
The remodel is partially funded by a $300,000 grant from the Department of Commerce, covering the majority of the base bid expenses. Councilor Eric Overholser praised the decision, highlighting its benefit to the community.
“I love the idea … Let’s take care of the people who’ve been paying our taxes for a long time here in this community ... and let’s give back to them,” Overholser said.
Construction is expected to begin in February and conclude by late April. During this time, BGSC will temporarily relocate its operations to the Battle Ground Community Center on Main Street. Plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June will coincide with the building’s 50th anniversary celebration.
For more information about BGSC, visit its Facebook page at facebook.com/p/Battle-Ground-Senior-Citizens-Inc-61559056648137/?locale=ne_NP.