Custer School In Mandan Being Purchased By MCCOA

According to a press release issued earlier today (Tuesday, May 12th), Mandan Public Schools has entered into a purchase agreement with the Morton County Council on Aging (MCCOA).

Many of us were curious as to the fate of the former Custer Elementary School building. Now, we have official word that the facility will be transformed into a new senior services and activity center. This, to help meet the growing needs of older adults across Morton and Oliver counties.

If you've never heard of MCCOA, it was established in 1969 and works in partnership with local programs and services to support the aging population. They do a lot of meal preparation and delivery services. According to the press release, they served 51,639 meals across Morton County in 2019 alone. Fast-forward to today, and that number has increased to more than 76,000 meals annually.

Because the organization’s current kitchen and facility (constructed in 1985) no longer meet the demands of the growing senior population, they began exploring a move to a new facility that will provide a larger gathering space, more parking, and a modern kitchen.

“Our goal has always been to plan not only for today’s seniors, but for future generations as well,” said Dave Berger, President of the MCCOA Board of Directors. “This facility gives us the opportunity to expand services, improve accessibility, and create a welcoming space for meals, recreation, outreach, and community connection.”

Following the committee’s recommendation, MCCOA moved forward with the purchase of the former Custer Elementary School building. The organization will now begin working with architects and project partners to design and renovate the space into a comprehensive senior services center.