Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and several City Council members attended a ribbon-cutting today for improvements at the Larry Cox Senior Center in North Knoxville.

"We're working to get the most out of our community centers for Knoxville residents, both through upgrading facilities to provide better programming and through energy-efficiency upgrades to save significant taxpayer dollars," Mayor Rogero said.

The senior center, located at 3109 Ocoee Trail, has received a renovation as well as a 960-square-foot addition. Overall costs were $400,000. The addition brings a new, more accessible entrance, a lobby, larger restrooms, and an employee office. 

The original building was renovated with energy-efficiency and ADA upgrades. The multi-purpose room received new acoustic tiles to better serve senior dances and functions. New windows and additional lighting were installed throughout the building.

The project is part of a long-term plan in the Parks and Recreation Department to systematically upgrade its recreation centers.

"Most of our community centers were built in the 1960s. Larry Cox Senior Center was built in 1962, so this is its 50th anniversary," said Joe Walsh, Director of Parks and Recreation. "We want our centers to keep up as our city continues to grow and improve."

The Public Building Authority oversaw the project for the City. Elizabeth Eason Architecture LLC provided the plans and worked with the contractor, Merit Construction Inc., through the entire project.

Larry Cox Senior Center is adjacent to Edgewood Park and primarily serves the senior citizens of North Knoxville. During election time, it is also an official voting site.

For more information on Larry Cox Senior Center programming, please visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/recreation or call 865- 546-1700 for more information.