The exterior of the Winona Lake senior center. (Photo provided)

WINONA LAKE — The Winona Lake senior center is one step closer to having a number of issues resolved.

A year ago, town officials discovered a mess inside the building’s crawl space. Moisture has made its way into the buildings crawl space, causing a number of problems, from bowing floorboards to odor and structural decay. A leaking sink has left rotting food waste on the floor and animals have made their way beneath the building. Insulation has also come loose and fallen.

A leaking kitchen sink has dumped food waste underneath the center where it remains currently.

According to Holly Hummitch of the Winona Lake Parks Department, Calvin Bolt Inspections and Testing, Warsaw, will proceed with the repairs. The company submitted the sole bid for the project in the amount of $16,483.95, Hummitch said.

The senior center is heavily used in the spring, summer and early fall, with something going on at least five days a week.

“The senior center is open Monday and Thursday mornings while also serving as a REAL Services nutrition site Monday through Friday,” Hummitch said. “The facility is also used for rentals several times throughout the year. Almost every weekend is booked March through September.”

While the mess beneath the building is unpleasant, Hummitch noted that no health or safety concerns have been identified. However, the project will proceed as quickly as possible.