NILES — Don’t expect to find much quiet at the Greater Niles Senior Center.

On a typical Tuesday morning, the sound of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” resonates throughout the building, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of seniors participating in a cardio drumming class. The rest of the building is also bustling with activity, seniors watching TV or playing cards or gathered in the front lobby.

On average, the senior center, 1109 Bell Road, sees the participation of 127 people per day. This attendance, combined with the variety of activities and growing participation that the center has seen in the last five years motivated officials to find more space.

So, when branch employees at the Chemical Bank, 1835 S. 11th St., next door to the senior center, relocated to a Main Street building late last year, senior center officials jumped at the chance to purchase the property.

Marge Durm-Hiatt, the president of the Greater Niles Senior Center Board, said the former Chemical Bank building was purchased in late March for about $300,000 that was budgeted for the transaction. 

By the end of the month, the space could be available to self-directed groups that would benefit from a quieter location, such as many local support groups, as well as the Foot Care Clinic, which has needed more space.

The former bank space has five office spaces that could be used for these opportunities. Additionally, the property will give the senior center 20 more parking spaces. An ATM on the outside of the building will remain in operation for the rest of the year.

For the past five years, Durm-Hiatt said the senior center has seen growth in participation that she attributes to an aging baby boomer population that expect a lot more of their senior center than quilting and bingo.

“It really is a whole new generation of seniors,” Durm-Hiatt said. “The new generation of seniors, they want activities. They want more.”

The Greater Niles Senior Center seeks to do just that, with dozens of activities like line dancing, arts and crafts, as well as health screenings, Durm-Hiatt said she believes the influx in participation can be attributed to this wide variety of activities. These activities are free and available to seniors. Michigan tax credits help to fund the senior center’s operations.

The senior center has made plans to accommodate for growth in the past. Around 2006, they built an addition to the facility, which was funded through a donation. But as observed Tuesday, it was easy to see how space could get a little tight. 

In the weeks to come, the senior center hopes to build a walkway between the two buildings and set up a phone line that will allow both buildings to communicate.

Durm-Hiatt said they want to keep the major activities, such as cardio drumming, at the current facility and they want to try not divide staff between the two buildings. Additionally, she said she welcomed nonprofits to apply to use some of the former bank space.

Planned renovations for the building are relatively minor. The teller counter has already been removed some tiling flooring will be installed. More furniture will also have to be purchased. Kathy Ender, the senior center director, approximated that these upgrades will cost about $10,000 to complete.

Like Durm-Hiatt, Ender said more space for seniors is a good thing. 

“I think it gives us more possibilities to challenge our vision” she said.

Additionally, Durm-Hiatt said staff members are always open to suggestions. 

“We have painting, ceramics, tai-chi, Zumba gold — it just keeps growing,” Durm-Hiatt said. “That is what I love about our center. If someone comes up with something … if we can make it happen, we try.”