Jackson Senior Center gets land donation for new building

Submitted photo

Carlton Meyer, Jackson Senior Center president, recently received a 1-acre land donation from John Lichtenegger for the new Jackson Senior Center. Gathered at the center's future site, on West Main Street, were, from left, Evelyn Dollinger, secretary; Virgil Green, board member; Debbie Stockton, administrator; Meyer; Chad Hartle, local senior housing developer; John Lichtenegger; Richard Aguilar, vice president; Donna Lichtenegger; and Willa Dean Propst, board member. ~ Southeast Missourian

The Jackson Senior Center recently received a 1-acre land donation for the new center to be located on West Main Street, just east of South Lacey Street in Jackson. The land was donated was by John Lichtenegger, a Jackson lawyer.

The Lichtenegger family has been instrumental in the Jackson Senior Center's history. In 1979, Melvin Lichtenegger, owner of Lichtenegger's Finer Foods, sold the grocery store building for a discounted price of $50,000. It became the city's first senior center.

"An antique dealer offered me $88,000 the week before, but I turned it down," said Lichtenegger, who now resides at the Lutheran Home. "My wife said, 'Make it a good price for them. They traded with us and helped us ... so now you help them.'"

Jackson Senior Center board members have waited for plans to move forward in anticipation of a much-needed new facility. The 402 E. Washington St. location currently serves approximately 95 meals a day, stores food and equipment, offers bingo, crafts and other activities. But most activities must precede or follow lunch due to limited space.

Setting priorities

Board member Virgil Green began researching neighboring senior centers to determine which features would be considered as priorities for the new center. He drew up preliminary plans for a 7,280-square-foot building with the option to downsize if necessary. The new facility is expected to seat 140 to 150 people. The first priority was to provide more bathrooms with accessibility for handicapped. The second priority was improved kitchen facilities.

"We're always asking for suggestions," Green said.

Green, a building, plumbing and electrical contractor for about 30 years, suggested an energy-saving plan for the proposed 10-by-12-foot cooler to be located next to the freezer, with a door in between. Improvements may include a 10- to 12-burner stove and a bigger kitchen workbench.

The proposed $450,000 facility received a $200,000 state grant in October, contingent upon housing grants for a moderate-income senior citizens apartment project made possible through the Community Develpment Block Grant Program administered by the Department of Economic Development. The CDBG program provides grants to cities with a population under 50,000 and counties under 200,000 in a variety of public work projects. The grant was contingent upon the approval of both projects. The center's current building will be sold to help pay for the new building.