Construction of the Newton Center for Active Living (NewCAL) in Newtonville began March 7 and is expected to finish Fall 2025.
The center is being built “to meet the unique interests and needs of older adults” to replace the since-demolished Newton Senior Center in the same location, according to the project website.
Plans provided in the May 18 community update, show plans for the facility to feature a Kitchen, Library, Ceramics room, Art room, Gym, Walking Track, Fitness Room, and Outdoor Balcony.
In her State of the City address Feb. 20, Mayor Fuller dubbed NewCAL “The Copper Center for Active Living” in honor of the late Audrey Cooper, a former Newton resident, 27-year secretary at Underwood Elementary, and Family Access volunteer who passed away in 2021 at the age of 97.
While few contest to this nickname, controversy has surrounded the label “Center For Active Living” as opposed to Senior Center, according to Joan Belle Isle, Chair of the Newton Council on Aging.
The NewCAL project website features a Q&A section where they address the name change, stating:
“There is a national movement to transition away from the term “Senior Center.” The stigma that some people attach to these locations by name alone prevent them from visiting, obtaining services, participating in programs, and becoming part of the community that exists within those walls.”
Senior Gail Gordon raised one such question at the virtual Community Update Meeting held March 16.
“Why isn’t this called the Newton Senior Center? Call it what it is.” Gordon added, ” Newton Center for Active Living implies anyone can use it.”
“It was very interesting. We did a survey and found that, much to our surprise, the most favored name for the facility was The Newton Center for Active Living. […] I’m sure there will be further discussions before an official name is finally selected” Isle responded.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the NewCAL was held on Thursday, March 7, and it included the opening of a 1938 time capsule.
“[We are] anticipating that we’re going to get started with the construction this summer, and we’re anticipating 12 to 14 months of construction work,” said Josh Morse, City of Newton Public Buildings Commissioner, on the January 19 Community Update meeting.
“Tonight will be one of our last community updates before we move into construction documents. When we get to that phase. Things are going to get a little more boring.” Morse added
According to BH+A Architect Dan Chen, one project goal is improved sustainability.
“We have a 30% – 44.3% reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions on metric tons of CO2 equivalent. On renewable energy, we are proposing solar panels on the roof. Currently, we have 4500 square feet of solar panels, and based on the highest alternative, we will be meeting roughly 29% of the energy usage of the building,” Chen said during the Design Review Committee meeting held June 15, 2022.