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Nonprofit offers former school as senior center; commissioners cite access and cost concerns
Summary
Leanne Kester and the Old School board proposed using part of a 1903 school building as a senior center, citing upgraded electrical and a new roof. The board estimated roughly $100,000 in HVAC and kitchen upgrades but said it would not expect the county to fund the purchase; commissioners asked about snow clearance, parking and downtown access and agreed to review the building and consider a site visit.
Leanne Kester, president of the Old School board, presented a proposal to the Chase County commissioners offering the north side of a 1903 school building (music room, kitchen, lunchroom and gym access) as a potential senior center. Kester said the nonprofit has completed substantial work on the building, including electrical upgrades and roof repairs on the portion relevant to the proposal.
Kester outlined likely improvement costs for the space: two or three mini-split HVAC units for the cafeteria/music room (Kester cited approximately $37,000 for the high-end option), a 5-ton heat pump or a gas AC alternative for the kitchen (options cited at about $33,000–$35,000), and walk-in cooler compressor options priced in discussion at roughly $26,005. Kester and board members said they would not expect the county to buy the building; they discussed leasing, partial sale or seeking grants to fund the necessary upgrades.
Commissioners and senior center representatives discussed practical concerns: the proposed site’s gravel driveway and distance from downtown businesses, the county’s snow-clearing priorities (downtown first), accessibility for walkers and wheelchairs, and available parking. One commissioner said seniors and downtown businesses prefer the existing downtown location; Kester replied that the facility could offer more parking and indoor space.
The commission did not take formal action on the proposal. Commissioners asked for staff to review the option and suggested a site visit and follow-up conversations about potential grant opportunities and cost-sharing models.
