While we await the January opening of the new Senior Planet center in Miami, take a sneak peek inside! Virtually join Senior Planet Executive Director Tom Kamber in a ‘hard hat’ walk through the new center, which is currently under construction.

Senior Planet centers are vibrant social environments filled with friendly, curious older adults and lots of the latest tech gadgets. Beyond our award-winning technology classes, older adults can stop by to use the free computers and internet, socialize, or learn everything from chair yoga to money matters.

This new center will be the fourth in the country, alongside New York City, NY; Plattsburgh (North Country), NY; and Denver, CO.

Miami’s First Technology-Themed Community Center

At 4,300 square feet, this former art gallery now has a spacious open design with high ceilings and inviting  curved walls. There are plenty of computer screens – 72 in all – to display artwork by older adults, or to be stationary or moveable computer workstations so users can move freely throughout the center. The space also boasts plenty of rooms for lectures, broadcasting, digital art, and more.

Some other features in the space include:

• Townscape Concept: The center has a small town feel, with a central open area that serves as the “Main Street.” This versatile space will be the heart of all activities; visitors can engage in everything from learning and using computers to lounging, attending lectures, and even group fitness and yoga.
• Canopy of Slatted Wood-like Baffles: A canopy of slatted wood-like baffles on the ceiling of the space add a visually interesting touch while  enhancing sound quality in the open area.
• Discrete Activity Rooms: Enclosed rooms, designed for specific activities, line the sides of the center.  These rooms will house the production space, a seminar room, and a computer lab – great spaces for collaborative projects, digital art, and broadcasting.
• Private Rooms: Smaller, private rooms will be available as well. These cozy spaces – one-person pods and four-person enclosed booths – are comfortable settings for telemedicine consultations or intimate group conversations.
• Lounge Area and Coffee Bar: Toward the back of the center, a larger lounge area will feature couches and a free coffee bar. Here, the community can come together to socialize and unwind – a place to relax and where social connections are built.
• Exterior Covered Pavilion: In the rear of the center, sliding patio doors lead to an exterior covered pavilion, providing a comfortable outdoor space for activities.

Design Facts

The design of the center incorporates elements inspired by Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco architecture, with soft curves and vibrant, welcoming colors. The center was designed by Wid Chapman Architects, known for their inventive and modern approach to architecture and design. (The firm has designed four other Senior Planet centers in Plattsburgh, NY; New York, NY; Denver, CO., and Palo Alto, CA.; as well as a patented, mobile learning center.) The local Miami Architect of Record is MKDA and and HITT Construction is the General Contractor.

Senior Planet has embraced the vibrant spirit of Miami’s  Wynwood neighborhood by working with the Museum of Graffiti and local muralist Rage Johnson to add a creative touch to the building facade. Rage, 51, is a Miami native considered a pioneer in mural painting in South Florida. This mural reflects the innovative culture of the area and reminds us that older adults can be part of cutting-edge culture.

Visit the center, opening in January 2024:

Located in Wynwood at NW 3^rd Avenue and 28^th Street, Miami, FL 33127. You can learn more and sign up for email updates by visiting here.