This summer has been a season of transformation for several of our local senior centers. Millages in Dexter and Saline allowed the senior centers to tackle long-overdue upgrades that will make them more accessible, welcoming, and better equipped to meet the needs of today’s older adults. A third senior center, while unexpectedly affected by a water main break, is turning disruption into opportunity with selective updates and improvements. Finally, the Washtenaw County Older Persons Millage enabled the Manchester Area Senior Citizen’s Council to finally have a permanent home. Here’s a quick look at what’s changing and what you can look forward to! 

 

Moving: Dexter Senior Center 

The Dexter Senior Center has moved around for the past few years, most recently being held at the Dexter Wellness Center. In 2023, Dexter Community Schools (which rented one of the senior center’s past homes) won a grant to create a community center. The Washtenaw Board of Commissioners also used funds for this project.  

New Address:  2740 Baker Rd, Dexter, MI 48130 

Exciting Updates: 

• Possible name change- stay tuned! 
• The new space will be 9,000 square feet- and the Dexter Senior Center will no longer be sharing space!  
• The new space will have dedicated gathering spaces, classrooms, an outdoor patio, and a banquet area. It’s also expected to have more rooms to allow for more programming.  
• Increased focus on intergenerational programming.  
• Expanded hours.  
• Will serve as a community meeting place.  
• Read the monthly newsletter for updates. 

 Open House(s)

• Saturday, August 16th at 10am  
• Week-long community open house August 18th-22nd  
• Community celebration on Friday, August 22nd  

 

 

Renovation: Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council  

Manchester has been without a permanent home for their senior programming for a long time. Crowdfunding and grant funds have helped make this desire a reality.  

Address: 912 City Rd (part of City Hall) 

Exciting Updates: 

• The new space is 1,200 square feet. 
• Brand new kitchen (fully stocked by a shower held by the Manchester United Methodist Church). 
• Accessible bathrooms and doors.  

Open House: Took place on June 4th  

 

Renovation: Saline Area Senior Center 

A 2002 bond will allow the SASC for a remodel and expansion.  

Exciting Updates: 

• The center will have a new entrance.  
• A welcome desk will greet visitors when they arrive at the center.  
• A new social area and media room. 
• A coffee area with grab and go food for purchase.  
• More space for art displays.  
• Private rooms for wellness treatments.  
• A new workout room, plus a dedicated room for fitness classes.  
• Read the monthly newsletter for updates. 

 

Open House 

• Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.  

 

Renovation: Ypsilanti Senior Center 

The Ypsilanti Senior Center suffered a significant water main break in March of 2025. The center has been closed since March due to the heavy rain damage, with classes taking place at other community meeting spaces (e.g., the Ypsilanti Library, Parkridge Center, and The Ypsi Performance Center). Funds from the county, as well as donors, have enabled the senior center to use this as an opportunity for improvement.  

 

Exciting Updates: 

• Updating the patio to create a more inviting, intergenerational space. 
• Updating the walking and exercise paths. 
• Adding a flower garden (a great potential for intergenerational gardening). 
• Updating the outdoor exercise area and adding more outdoor games.  
• The center plans to add a dedicated space for mental health support.  
• Various updates to increase accessibility.  

 

Open House: Unfortunately, there isn’t currently a fixed date for the end of construction. Read the monthly newsletter or check their social media for updates.