BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A plan is in the works to build a new Bellingham Senior Activity Center.

The Whatcom Council on Aging recently bought the former WECU building on Bellis Fair Pkwy. It will be the site of a new center that looks to accommodate Whatcom County’s growing senior population according to WCOA’s Executive Director Chris Orr.

Orr says that the county’s older adult population is projected to grow 40% over the next two decades. The current Bellingham Senior Activity Center at 315 Halleck St. has over 1,600 members and is already struggling with age and capacity, receiving nearly 400 visitors on average daily.

WCOA is launching a $10 million comprehensive campaign to fund the project and make necessary renovations to the current building.

The new site will provide a renovated central kitchen for Meals on Wheels and More, the council’s food program. The prep space will expand their menu and increase the number of locally-made meals delivered to homebound seniors and the senior centers all over the county.

They expect it will take two years to reach the fund-raising goal before construction and renovations can begin.