Apex Senior Center
The Apex Senior Center is a 28,000 sq. ft. addition to the town's community center, specifically designed for active seniors. It features meeting rooms, offices, storage, fitness areas, arts and crafts studios, pottery workshops, and computer learning spaces, all enhanced for optimal lighting, acoustics, and texture. The building consists of two masonry sections connected by a central service area and a double-height circulation corridor, with a glass-enclosed space for casual meetings. The project began with a design charrette that included over 150 local seniors and a Parks & Recreation task force, leading to a plan that prioritized indoor walking tracks linked to pedestrian pathways and the existing community center, adding a quarter mile of covered walking space. The design highlights framed views of both natural and urban landscapes while offering a variety of spatial configurations through changes in elevation. Located on the historic site of the Tunstall house, the Senior Center pays tribute to the town's railway legacy. While the surrounding 20th-century buildings echo the design of the historic train station with appropriate details and materials, the Senior Center presents a modern interpretation, featuring two gently curved metal roofs that direct rainwater into large gutters. This system utilizes an expanded retention pond and underground stormwater management to reduce environmental impact. In sum, the Apex Senior Center combines modern amenities with a respect for the town's heritage, fostering an active lifestyle for seniors in a visually appealing and eco-friendly way.