Construction begins on $30M senior center

NAPLES — Construction is underway for a new permanent home for the Naples Senior Center.

The new home for the nonprofit, which provides comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, is on a 13.7-acre site on Autumn Oaks Lane, a block south of Immokalee Road in North Naples. The 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building is anticipated to be completed and open by the end of 2022, according to a statement.

During a recent groundbreaking ceremony, Naples Senior Center officials announced the public phase of its capital campaign with a $30 million goal, the release states. To date, a little over $23 million has been raised.

Naples Senior Center provides “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen its membership surge from 80 members initially to more than 1,400 members today.

“In just seven years, we have seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region and we have quickly outgrown our current leased facilities,” Naples Senior Center President and CEO Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, says in the release. “This new building will give us the additional resources needed to provide our growing elderly population with the tools to address life’s challenges, like isolation and loneliness.”

The new Naples Senior Center will be centrally located to the largest concentration of members and will be easily accessible from other locations in Collier County. The site also will enable seniors to benefit from a nurturing, natural setting that offers outdoor space for walking, quiet contemplation and low-impact exercise programs such as tai chi.

Naples Senior Center launched its capital campaign in 2019 to generate the funds needed to secure the land, construct the building and meet appropriate furniture/fixtures and equipment requirements.

The capital campaign was accelerated by a $5-million commitment from local philanthropists Patty and Jay Baker, the release states. This lead gift helped put the project on a successful track and inspired others in the community to support the cause.

“Naples Senior Center serves a critical need for older adults in our community,” said Jay Baker in the statement. “We are proud to support their mission of enriching the lives of those 60 years and older by providing essential programs and social services. We hope our contribution will encourage other community-minded individuals to step up in support of this mission.”