LOOGOOTEE — The luck of the Irish is coming to downtown Loogootee this March, but the real treasure is the newly renovated space dedicated to the community’s seniors.
The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth has announced it will host a St. Patrick’s Day Open House on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the grand reopening of the Loogootee Senior Center.
The event, held in partnership with the City of Loogootee and the Martin County Council on Aging, marks the completion of the “Community Roots” project—a comprehensive revitalization effort aimed at transforming the facility into a vibrant, multigenerational hub.
The senior center, located at 406 Northwest 1st Street, has undergone significant improvements over the past year. The revitalization was fueled by over $30,000 in grants, including a $10,000 award from the Martin County Community Foundation and a $20,827 grant from the Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation.
Key upgrades on display during the tour include:
- Enhanced Accessibility: Improvements designed to make the center more welcoming for residents of all mobility levels.
- Vibrant Mural: A community-focused mural painted by local talent, symbolizing the “fresh chapter” for the facility.
- Modernized Facilities: Updates to the interior intended to support expanded programming and daily congregate meals.
The project is more than just a renovation; it is part of a strategic push to enhance the quality of life in Loogootee, where roughly 21% of residents are over the age of 65. Organizers envision the center as a shared space where seniors and local youth can connect through project-based learning and community service. This project represents a critical quality-of-life investment, said Jessica Potts, Executive Director of the Martin County Alliance.
