Mid-Valley seniors get their building

HOUSTON -- It may have taken 15 years, but the Mid Valley Seniors finally got what they wanted.

Ownership of the Frederick O. Baggett Building, which houses the Mid-Valley Senior Center, and the land on which it sits were officially turned over to Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc., earlier this spring.

"The seniors have been doing all the projects and paying for the upkeep of the building, but now we don't have to ask permission to do the projects," a smiling Elsie O'Bryan said. "You won't notice any big changes yet. Seniors have always been responsible for the center, and that'll stay the same."

O'Bryan said some long-term projects that may come to fruition now include a potential renovation. But mostly, it's business as usual -- but with ownership.

The 15-year wait came for a variety of reasons, but getting two governments and two nonprofit agencies on the same page happened quickly. Once the transfer became a reality, the city of Houston, the Mat-Su Borough, Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc. and the Homesteader's Community Center all used the same attorney and got the work done.

"This is what everyone wanted all along, and it finally came together," O'Bryan said.

Seniors moved into the Baggett Building on June 8, 1988 after having been incorporated in 1984. They met at the Homesteader's Community Center during the interim. The city of Houston applied for, and received, funds from the state and a Community Development Block Grant on behalf of the seniors, to build the facility on land that was then owned by the borough and leased to the Homesteader's Community Center. Eventually, the borough gave ownership of the land to Homesteader's Community Center.

The goal all along, O'Bryan said, was for the building to be transferred to Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc. They occupied the building at no rental or lease costs, and the seniors bore all the costs of maintaining and insuring the building. Finally, after permission was granted to the city of Houston to transfer ownership, the seniors took control of the building.

"It's just a good feeling for all of us, knowing we own it now," O'Bryan said.

To celebrate, the Mid-Valley Senior Center will play host to "The Deed is Done" party on June 20. At 4 p.m., the seniors will officially celebrate.

But that isn't the only celebration. DeeDee Jonrowe will be at the center on June 6 for a presentation, and to open her fan mail along with the seniors, which has become an annual event. The presentation starts at 6 p.m., O'Bryan said.