ALPENA — The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, also known as PACE, has formed an initiative with the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Region 9 Area Agency on Aging, and Presbyterian Villages of Michigan to develop a senior care center in Alpena by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

PACE officials previously stated, in late October, that the new health center would be developed in the former Ripley Street Station grocery store on Ripley Boulevard, but the non-profit organization is currently choosing one of three different locations to renovate.

A decision on the location could come as soon as next week.

Jeff Meden, executive director of PACE Northeast Michigan, said that the collaborative group is finalizing forms for the state and local government to approve.

“We’re hoping to start construction by March or April,” Meden said. “We’re finalizing a letter of intent for (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) and (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), then after that we’ll secure our lease, secure the permits, and finalize contractors. Once that’s done, we’re set to start renovating the final location.”

In a press release sent out by PACE Northeast Michigan, the health center will house a medical clinic, therapy gym, and a day center for older people to socialize. The organization will also provide transportation for individuals needing to get to the center from their homes.

Meden said that PACE decided to bring its services to Northeast Michigan because it saw a high level of need in the region.

“PACE serves some of the most frail and poor people in Michigan,” Meden said. “What we do is help them out and give healthcare and supportive services, allowing older adults to live in their community and their own home. We saw a huge gap in Northeast Michigan and I’m looking forward to making a positive impact on the community.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 21.8% of Alpena’s residents are 65 years or older. The new PACE Northeast Michigan will serve Presque Isle, Alpena, Montmorency, Alcona, and Oscoda counties, alongside select locations within surrounding counties.

Those looking to use PACE’s services must live within the service area, be at least 55 years old, be able to live safely in their own home or with family, and be certified to need nursing home care.

This will be PACE’s 15th independent PACE organization in the state, building its 26th location in Alpena.

PACE Northeast Michigan officials started looking into locations for a senior health center in July, showing initial interest in a vacant lot at 400 W. Chisholm St., but soon changed its target to the grocery store on Ripley Boulevard after deciding that the original location would not provide PACE enough space and access for its members.