Flood damage has senior center reaching out to community for help

(Story updated on Monday, Feb. 10)

The North Shore Senior Center halted programming while it addressed “significant water damage” sustained during heavy rains on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 30-31.

The center reopened on Monday, Feb. 10, in a limited capacity, said Amy Krause, the organization’s director of communications.

A social media post from the center says that its flagship facility — the Arthur C. Nielson Jr. Campus, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield — was closed to the public through Friday, Feb. 7, and staff handled all operations remotely.

The rainwater damage primarily impacted areas near the front entrance to the building, including the welcome desk, gift shop and administrative offices, according to a NSSC webpage detailing the building’s recovery efforts.

Krause said because most of the damage was to the south end of the building, the senior center operated starting Monday from the north side of the building with a makeshift entryway and welcome table.

Repairs to the building will likely take months, Krause said.

The senior center is urging community members to support the purchase of a new roof for its 25-year-old building to hopefully mitigate future flooding incidents. Officials say the cost of a new roof is more than $1 million and are requesting donations.

Krause said senior center officials are working with insurance adjusters to determine what amount, if any, will be covered.

“Anyone who is feeling generous, we are very appreciative of any donations to help us get through this difficult time,” Krause said. “The building is so important to what we do, but what’s more important is what goes on inside the building and we are grateful we can open in some capacity.”

The North Shore Senior Center is a nonprofit that annually serves more than 24,000 local seniors primarily from New Trier-area communities. The organization offers wellness and educational programming as well as counseling and specialized care.

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