Dekalb County hosted a groundbreaking for the East Dekalb Community and Senior Center last week. Pond’s Vice President of Architecture Mark Levine and Project Manager Eric Ames joined Commissioner Mereda-Davis Johnson, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran Johnson, and Mayor Shemeka Reynolds in celebrating this milestone for this long-awaited project.
What once served as a high school constructed in the 1930s is located in the heart of Lithonia. The groundbreaking paid homage to the historical significance of the existing facility, while celebrating the new beginning for this community. Several of the current residents also attended the high school and spoke at the event, including Ms. Harper, who graduated in the fifties.
The almost 16,000 square foot facility, slated for completion in 2021, will be built adjacent to the site of the high school and will replace an outdated building currently being used by the seniors within the community. Locally sourced Lithonia granite will clad the entry located opposite of the historic school, complementing the surrounding preserved structures. The senior center will face the Historic Bruce Street School, which was established as the first school for the African American community in DeKalb County after the Lithonia Public School system was incorporated in 1938.
“We are excited to play a role in bringing this building to life. Serving this community means a lot to the County as well as highlighting the historical significance of the area,” said Project Manager, Eric Ames.
The new space will promote socialization and well-being for residents through features such as a multipurpose room, a dining hall, classrooms and an aerobics studio.
