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Access has been a primary focus in the development of the LifeSpan Center. From selection of a building site, to design of entryways and decisions about building features and amenities, construction decisions were made always with clients’ safety, comfort and convenience in mind. The consolidation of the Mattoon and Charleston senior centers presented a challenge in that locating in one community would yield a perception of loss on the part of the other. A central location was favored. The Council has purchased 10 acres located at the corner of Loxa Road and County Road 800 N. A large, well-lighted parking lot will be a welcome improvement to visitors and staff. Parking woes plague both current facilities, making access difficult – or impossible – for some. For those who prefer not to make the drive, Dial-A-Ride will provide “park-and-ride” transportation to the LifeSpan Center from designated locations in both Mattoon and Charleston.
A covered drive-through main entryway will further enhance access while protecting visitors from the elements. The main entrance will offer automatic doors. Just off the main entrance, a comfortable and welcoming library/study will provide a quiet, private setting to browse through resource materials or conduct a family meeting.
The LifeSpan Center will be a hub of community activity. Its central location and plans for these spacious and comfortable meeting areas will make the LifeSpan Center a desirable destination for area businesses, industries, agencies and community groups to gather. Increased space also presents opportunities to serve as a training site for area education, health care and social service providers.
 Clients and staff will appreciate expanded office space and the more professional – and confidential – setting in which to work and interact.
The LifeSpan Center concept offers a building plan that will easily integrate diverse groups and facilitate intergenerational programming. For instance, the planned computer/technology center will provide the “common ground” for computer savvy younger folks to work with older adults who wish to acquire computer skills. On the other hand, an outdoor garden area will let youngsters learn gardening skills as they work alongside their older, more experienced friends. A picnic area, shuffleboard, playground equipment and a walking path will offer outdoor opportunities for the generations to mingle.
 On the west side of the LifeSpan Center property, a new storage facility has been built to house the Dial-A-Ride vehicles. The 10,500 square foot heated garage will hold up to 12 vans and one agency car and provides a safe, climate-controlled environment. Currently, there is no bus garage. The new bus garage virtually eliminates cold weather starting problems common to diesel engines, providing more reliable service to Dial-A-Ride Clients. |
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