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71 <br />RECOMMENDATIONS FROM RICK ELDRIDGE, RUFTY - HOLMES SENIOR CENTER <br />Attached please find a copy of the Seymour Center's floor plans with notes relating to my <br />recommendations. <br />As we discussed on -site, there are several things the Center could do in remodeling existing space to <br />gain usable square footage: <br />1) Remove /re- locate the wall separating the hallway from the large multipurpose room <br />2) Fill -in the floors /ceilings between levels <br />3) Relocate open lounge space in lobby to new flooring area (# 2) and construct new offices in <br />section of lobby; <br />4) Convert areas used for fitness machines and small exercise classes to office /classroom space (in <br />conjunction with construction of a new fitness wing) <br />I would also suggest that consideration be given to reconfiguring the Computer Lab to regular classroom <br />space over time by investing in laptops or tablets rather than desktop units, and making sure the <br />building has Wi -Fi throughout. <br />Looking at the exterior of the Center building, we identified several options for expansion into newly <br />constructed space. After studying these, I believe it would be good to investigate extending the large <br />multipurpose room into the courtyard area rather than the rear side. The space is already flat and I <br />don't believe you would have to move any utilities. <br />I also feel that coming out into the courtyard area from the other side with a new space for fitness <br />would be better than adding a two -story wing in the front. The new fitness facility could have 1 % to 2 <br />story high ceilings to accommodate various indoor activities such as volleyball and basketball, as well as <br />exercise classes and the use of fitness equipment. By not extending the building toward the front, you <br />might alleviate the need to change the road and drainage ponds out front. A curved driveway is not all <br />bad, if you view it aesthetically. <br />My observation is that the Center needs more office space, classroom space, multipurpose & dining <br />space, and space for health & wellness programs. By remodeling existing space, I think the Center can <br />gain additional office and classroom space. The multipurpose room could be an additional 1/3 rd larger, <br />and a new fitness wing could be 4,000 — 6,000 square feet. <br />The Center already has a great mix of spaces that can be adapted for various purposes. <br />Give me a call should you desire to discuss this in more detail. <br />Rick Eldridge <br />Rufty - Holmes Senior Center <br />