Andy Shaw, the construction manager of the ACCOA Community Center, says that a project of this size normally takes around five years and his team accomplished it in two years.

“We just scratched and clawed for everything along the way,” Shaw said. “I’m probably most proud of what we’ve delivered. We delivered a, really a $20- to $30-million building for half that.”

The building houses a full gymnasium, workout room, community kitchen, and game room, and eight bungalow-style homes are also on the property.

The Property Manager for the Senior Bungalow, Sarah Jane, says the homes “were designed with seniors in mind” and are already filled with tenants.

News Photo by Blace Carpenter People gather in the gymnasium of the Alcona County Commission on Aging’s new community center during its open house on Friday. The gymnasium is equipped with six basketball hoops.

“I think it was such a great asset to the community,” Jane said. “Finding housing is not easy. It was a really nice asset that they incorporated into this.”

Shaw said that the center was built to serve community members of all ages. The basketball court, gym, and other services are available for the public.

“You need things for young children, all the way up the spectrum, until the oldest possible person,” Shaw said.

ACCOA Executive Director Wendy Bian said that it has been busy, but they are ready to get services up and running next week.

“It’s only been two years, but it seems like it’s been 100,” Bian said. “We are really excited. This week was very stressful trying to get moved in here so we can open up to business next week.”

Jane said that the center is a great addition to the community.

The center has memberships or day passes that people can purchase. For more information, contact the ACCOA at 989-736-8879.

Blace Carpenter can be reached at bcarpenter@thealpenanews.com. This story was produced by the Michigan News Group Internship Program, a collaboration between WCMU Public Media and local newspapers in central and northern Michigan. The program’s mission is to train the next generation of journalists and combat the rise of rural news deserts.