The LISTEN Center will hold a groundbreaking for a new building in June.
The groundbreaking is set for 4 p.m. Thursday, June 10, at 2100 S. Washington St. The event will be open to the public, and will mark more than 50 years of service to the region. The new building will usher in a new era for the center, as it continues to carry out its mission of providing services designed to help people with intellectual disabilities live independently.
“LISTEN is excited to be a part of the continual growth, commercial renewal and development that is bringing value to our city,” said Christy Potts, LISTEN executive director. “This new building not only replaces an inaccessible old building that was on the property, but it will raise the standard for accessibility for everyone who uses our program services and our drop-in community center. Our goal is to build a space that is accessible and user-friendly for people choosing our services and our staff that help them.”
According to a news release, the new building will allow for expanded programs. The LISTEN Center has added residential and in-home support in the last 18 months, due to the pandemic. The new facility will be located at the sight of the now-closed Travelodge hotel, which shut down in early May 2020.
“With the new building, the skies the limit on what else we may be able to add to benefit our community,” said Nancy McKay, programs services director.
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Construction is expected to be complete in mid-2022. LISTEN has partnered with Widseth and Community Contractors for design and construction of the building.
The LISTEN Center dates back to 1970, when it began as a program in Grand Forks churches. It grew into S.M.I.LE. – St. Mary’s Is Love Exceptional – in 1972, and then combined with a Youth Arc program in 1974 to become Love Is Sharing the Exceptional Needs.
