Thank you for your continued interest in the NewCAL project!
The Newton Center for Active Living (NewCAL) is the name given to the project to address the facility needs of seniors in Newton.
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PROJECT UPDATE:
The Newton Center for Active Living, NewCAL, project is still going strong. Over the past month we have been hard at work refining the design details and specifications that will help make Newton’s collective vision a reality. The work we are doing on the design has not changed what has been presented to the community at all, but rather it is the effort needed to provide the design details the contractors will need to make all the full project come together.
While BH+A Architects is working to button up the design, our Owner’s Project Manager, NV5, is working with my team to move the process along to prequalify interested contractors. This process ensures that only high-quality contractors with relevant project experience can bid on the NewCAL Project. Contractors will be bidding on the project over the next 3 weeks.
Work will begin this Fall and we will be reaching out to invite people to the groundbreaking ceremony as we get closer. We are anticipating that the project will be complete in the Fall of 2024.
While the work to make the building project is ongoing, we are still working with the Department of Senior Services and the entire project team to review furnishings, color patterns, and technology equipment. We will share updates on these areas as they become available.
Where we are in the midst of finishing the detailed design and the procurement of contractors, we do not have anything new to present to the community and therefore we will not be having a NewCAL community meeting Thursday evening.
Prior to starting construction, we will have a community meeting to discuss the construction activities, project schedule, impacts, and we’ll answer any questions that our residents may have. The
In the meantime, if you have any questions at all about the project, please do not hesitate to reach out to Josh Morse (City of Newton Public Buildings Commissioner) at jmorse@newtonma.gov.
Note: Links for future meetings will be available here.
If you missed recent meetings, video recordings are available by clicking on the links below:
May 10, 2023 Design Review Committee meeting
April 20, 2023 Community Update meeting
Video recordings of prior Community meetings can be watched by clicking on the “Presentations” tab above and clicking on “Video Recordings”
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Note: Links for future meetings will be available here.
NewCAL Project Information
Vision Statement and Guiding Principles | Frequently Asked Questions | Program and Design | Site Selection |
Community Feedback | Presentations | Meeting Minutes | Supporting Documents |
The City of Newton’s goal, as an age friendly community, is to build a large, well equipped, comfortable Center to meet the unique interests and needs of older adults, both those currently using the Senior Center and many others who are not. The Center will foster a special sense of community and belonging for this growing group. This facility will be designed to optimize the quality of life for Newton’s older adults and those who support them, through welcoming, respectful and meaningful opportunities that engage, value, and empower older adults to remain independent and important assets in our community.
When spaces within this facility are not programmed for older adults, the goal is to offer well managed, quality and enriching community and multigenerational experiences for all residents of Newton.
1. The Center will be designed to promote and support the Mission Statements of the Senior Services and Parks and Recreation Departments.
2. Spaces within this facility will be clustered and programmed to preserve the wonderful sense of community that exists in the current Senior Center.
3. The Center will be age friendly, welcoming to everyone, and will be designed and programmed to meet the unique needs of seniors as well as the broader community.
4. The Center will ensure safety and accessibility both inside and outside the facility through thoughtful design and operation.
5. The Center will promote social equality and maximize access to programs and services to those who are unserved or underserved.
6. The facility will be environmentally conscious, strive to be carbon neutral, and will leave a legacy of responsible design and operation.
Senior Services Department Mission Statement
‘To optimize quality of life for older adults and those who support them through the welcoming, respectful and meaningful opportunities that engage and value older people, and empower them to remain independent and to be important assets in our community.”
Parks and Recreation Department Mission Statement
“The Newton Parks and Recreation Department will provide traditional and innovative Recreation, Leisure and Cultural Activities in a quality environment for all residents of Newton, as well as managing the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of the natural resources of the City.”
THOUGHTS? QUESTIONS? Email the project team at newcal@newtonma.gov with any questions, comments or concerns or to sign up to receive future correspondence about this project.
Remember to visit this site frequently to keep up with the latest meeting dates, design and presentations.
Note: For information about other area Senior Centers and Senior/Community Centers, please click on this link.
The new facility will be a community asset, so we are looking for feedback from the entire community!
