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THE CENTER AT BELVEDERE Scroll down to learn more!

HEALTHY AGING IN ACTION

Take a stroll around The Center at Belvedere and you’ll hear laughter and lively conversation in the midst of tai chi, art classes, Zumba, computer class, volunteering … any of the dozens of programs currently going on every week, with masks and appropriate physical distancing.

Construction of The Center at Belvedere was completed in spring 2020 — just as the coronavirus pandemic necessitated shutdowns. Fortunately, it was designed to meet growing community need, so — once onsite programs were possible — there was plenty of room to spread out.

Research proves that multidimensional programming such as ours promotes longer, healthier, happier lives. Even with the current limits to programs and hours of operation, The Center is still the heart of healthy aging in the greater Charlottesville area, with an all-encompassing range of programming to ensure both mental and physical well-being.

Combating the loneliness and social isolation of older adults in our community has been part of The Center’s mission for more than 60 years. So along with onsite options, there are lots of online offerings to ensure that everyone can participate in whatever way works best for them.

A TRANSFORMING VENUE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | The Center is designed as a welcoming community hub with capacity for impactful collaborations and partnerships. The Volunteer Center promotes member engagement with dozens of area nonprofits. Performance and meeting spaces are available to organizations and individuals, and the full-service Travel Center is open to everyone. A Greenberry’s Coffee Co. franchise, owned and run by The Center, and a Sentara Family Medicine practice onsite draw people of all ages.

AMENITIES | The new Center provides dedicated fitness rooms, a 380-seat performing arts auditorium, a lifelong learning wing with classrooms and a library, an art room, a game room, a volunteer center, conference rooms, and more. Public spaces indoors and out offer places for quiet conversation or larger social gatherings.

ACCESSIBILITY | Conveniently located in Albemarle County's urban ring, The Center prioritizes accessibility through universal design, scholarships for those who have a need, proximity to walking and biking trails, and a public transit stop at the front door.

SUSTAINABILITY | A rooftop solar array generates 50% of needed power while energy-saving LED fixtures and low-consumption plumbing fixtures minimize environmental impact. Innovative stormwater management filters runoff before it enters the ecosystem.

THANK YOU!

The Center at Belvedere is open and operating because of the dedication and hard work of so many, including volunteers, staff, boards of directors, and design and construction teams. Funding for construction came from a mix of philanthropic donations, investment by Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville, and financing from Carter Bank and Trust.

More than a thousand community members supported the capital campaign for The Center at Belvedere with donations that made every step possible, from purchasing the land to furnishing the building's beautiful spaces. Gifts of every kind made a difference, and we are endlessly grateful for them all.

The project was spearheaded by Matthews Development Company, LLC; Bushman Dreyfus Architects; and Barton Malow. Lifespan Design Studio played a crucial role in ensuring the building is accessible to all with universal design.

Here for Everyone

While the pandemic has reduced the number of onsite programs currently available, it provided the impetus for online program delivery. Being able to reach out to people in our own community and beyond has expanded access and enriched our offerings

Your presentation was fabulous! Since I did not get my beach trip in at the Outer Banks this year this helped a lot. It was so nice to learn about something different today. Thanks also for all your help getting the exercise classes online for those of us who can’t come on site yet.”

Older adults continue to have opportunities to connect with one another, reducing the risk of social isolation and loneliness that threaten physical and mental health.

Programs at the Center have been a godsend to me! I really enjoy and Need the interaction that I get at The Center, especially since I live alone.”

Want to support healthy aging?

Make a gift or pledge today.

Contact philanthropy director Melanie Benjamin at 434.220.9744 or melanie@thecentercville.org.

Volunteer

Contact Coordinator of Volunteer Resources Bobbi Hughes at 434.974.7756 or bobbi@thecentercville.org.

Renderings courtesy of Bushman Dreyfus Architects

Architectural photography courtesy of Virginia Hamrick. Additional photography courtesy of Jack Looney and Michael Matthews.

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