The proposed project would include a three-story, 45,000-square-foot apartment complex with 45 units, a 47,000-square-foot community center, and a 4,000-square-foot farmers market pavilion.

The project, spearheaded by the Alcona County Commission on Aging, could cost up to $25 million and would be located north of the Alcona Health Center’s Lincoln office and in front of Alcona Elementary School.

Plans for a new senior center were already in the works, but Lenny Avery, the Commission on Aging’s executive director, said the project grew after he considered amenities the community lacked.

“Basically, we’re trying to tackle the three biggest issues in Alcona County that I have seen as director,” Avery said.

Courtesy Image Plans for a new community center, apartment complex, and farmers market pavilion, is pictured in this rendering provided by the Alcona County Commission on Aging.

The project would be funded by a mix of state and federal grants and corporate and local sponsors. Avery couldn’t say this week whether a property tax would be needed.

Since he became director in January 2020, Avery said he’s noticed a lack of housing, food insecurity, and no dedicated space for the community to gather. Avery said the lack of housing is the number-one problem, because, if someone has a problem with the place they’re living, “they literally have no place to go.”

Avery said the community center would have a number of amenities, including an art gallery, activity center, recreation center, senior center, and community offices.

Outside of the community center would be a community garden, skate park, splash pad, a full basketball court, two tennis courts, two volleyball courts, and walking trails connecting to other trails in the area.

“It’s going to be for the community,” Avery said. “It’s going to be for everyone. Our idea for the community center is literally the entire family — from grandma down to the little kids — to come and have something that they can do.”

Avery said his agency is finalizing the purchase of the seven-acre site currently owned by Alcona Health Center.

Avery said the Commission on Aging is in the process of having a feasibility study completed before applying for grants.

Avery believes the agency would be able to secure state funding because the state has recognized Alcona County as a prosperity region, meaning the state recognizes the county as a place it needs to spend money.

He is confident that, if the Commission on Aging can tell the story of Alcona County, the project will sell itself.

“Our community is worth it,” he said. “Our community is worth an investment. Our community needs these things.”

Crystal Nelson can be reached at 989-358-5687 or cnelson@thealpenanews.com.