The City of Albert Lea is considering three proposals for the Albert Lea Senior Center – one from its current landlord and two from other entities interested in housing the center.
In addition to a proposal in Skyline Plaza, the other proposals came from the Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition for part of the former Herberger's building and Jim & Dude's for part of the former HealthReach building.
As part of an evaluation of the center by a team of several community partners, the city sought suggestions. The city wants to improve access for people using the facility. Other priorities include providing a center that continues to meet the programmatic needs of residents ages 55 and older; improving natural lighting, access to green spaces and services; and improving curb appeal through exterior signage and other features.
The Senior Center was founded in Albert Lea in 1969 in the Carnegie Library building on College Street and moved to Skyline Plaza in 1998. At this point the membership was over 1,000.
The senior center has remained at Skyline since then and today has 270 members and provides educational, social and recreational activities for residents ages 55 and older from Freeborn County and surrounding areas. While overseen by the city's recreation department, it is operated by the Albert Lea Family YMCA.
Cathy Malakowsky, the city's director of engagement and enrichment, said Skyline's lease expires at the end of 2026. Concerns about the current location include access, plumbing issues and an overall appearance in need of a refresh.
The city wants at least 5,000 square feet of space that can accommodate large group activities, including four pool tables, separate rooms for small group activities including exercise programs, an office space for one person and at least 70 parking spaces. The city would also prefer access to a commercial kitchen and outdoor space and would like other amenities to be close and easy to find.
Skyline Plaza
The Skyline Plaza location would allow for the current 8,000 square feet of space for $4,150 per month plus some utilities. According to the proposal, the building, built in 1964, was equipped with a new roof in 2015 and 2016 and new air conditioning in 2019. In 2024, 60 feet of plumbing pipes on the north side were also replaced.
The location has a fully equipped commercial kitchen, but does not have an outdoor area or lighting. It also doesn't have a camera system or natural interior light, although it's easy to find and close to some amenities. It wouldn't need any renovation either.
Malakowsky said the biggest concern at this location is the lack of accessibility, and when asked about parking lot resurfacing, she said the owner said he couldn't afford the $199,000 in repairs, although he may be willing to lower the rent in exchange for parking lot resurfacing and other work. Automatic doors would also have to be installed.
She said there have also been some leaks in the ceiling of the small craft room/exercise room and that there have been some backups in the sewer system that have resulted in the center having to close a few times.