Semmes To Get New Senior Center

The Blackwell-Batson Estate, a 4,000 square foot home on four wooded acres, will be the new home of the Semmes Senior Center with the aid of federal grant money obtained by the Mobile County Commission.

The Mobile County Commission Friday signed an agreement to purchase the home and upgrade it with $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. The house, located at 9635 Moffett Road, will accommodate the recreational needs of senior citizens ages 62 and older with amenities to include an exercise room, a billiards room, a computer room, a multi-purpose room for arts and crafts and games and a dining hall.

“This will be a tremendous asset for senior citizens,” said Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, who represents Semmes. “We look at this as a community project because we will need the support of the community to complete it.”

The federal grant will provide for the purchase of the home and its upgrades. The renovation will include a new roof, new painting throughout the interior, installation of an elevator, new wiring, and interior structural changes. A new entry road onto the parcel and a parking area in the front of the building are planned.

“This center will provide new recreational options for senior citizens that will engage them and keep them active in their later years.” said Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood.

The Semmes Woman’s Club will manage the day-to-day operations of the new senior center and help with fundraising, according to an agreement between the county and the civic group. It hopes to collect the funds for all the recreational amenities, offering room sponsorships and other options for donations.

The four-acre lot provides room for expansion as needs arise.

“I’m always happy to include our seniors in our long-range plans for the county,” said Mobile Commissioner Mike Dean.

Photo: Blackwell-Batson Estate