POCATELLO — On the corner of East Lander Street and North Third Avenue is an overgrown and vacant lot that has deep roots in the storied history of Pocatello.

This empty slice of Americana is part of a neighborhood once known as the “Triangle” that housed an ethnically diverse group of citizens such as Greeks, Italians, Hispanics, African Americans and many others.

Now this important location in Pocatello’s heritage will be the site of a United Seniors Project building called the Lifelong Learning Center.

“What caught our eye is that the project is actually looking at intergeneration, a facility for intergenerational learning, which is great,” president of AARP Idaho Lupe Wissel said. “That’s something that AARP has been promoting. You have the young and you have the old and that is part of our livable community’s work. To have spaces, facilities and areas where not only the young, but also the older population can gather and can learn together, play together and have a great community is wonderful.”

A fund of $2,700 was awarded by AARP to the United Seniors Project, which financed an upcoming walkthrough and a new sign that marks the spot of the future complex and details what will be constructed in the 15,000-square-foot learning center.

Aside from the benefits it will offer as a place where the young and old can collaborate and learn together, the center will house a large auditorium and spacious classrooms. In addition, the complex will provide a spot for activities like music performances, dances and general social engagement.

“We’re representing New Knowledge Adventures, Snake River New Horizons Band and the AARP,” said Sharon Manning who is one of the founders of United Seniors Project. “We’re getting a building where we can meet and have all our classes together. We can be in one space with a nice parking lot that is accessible to everyone. We’re just so grateful that AARP saw the value of this and granted this money to help us promote this project in the community so that we can purchase our land and then get funds for our building as well.”

Proponents of the facility hope that it will foster a space for the Southeast Idaho community to bourgeon the physical, mental, social and emotional health of the participants. The age-friendly regional center hopes it can also aid ongoing community wellness with the implementation of a wide variety of programs that keep everyone engaged and productive throughout their lives. Certainly, there are a wide range of benefits for persons of all ages to be enriched together and learn from each other, old and young alike.

The United Seniors Project will be attending the Lasting Legacy Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30 at East Lander and Third Avenue in Pocatello. Attendees will be able to walk a portion of the historic Triangle district to gather information, examine the plans and ask questions.

Hopefully, with further community support surrounding the United Seniors Project and its partners and additional sponsors and funding, the learning center can attain its fiscal goals and begin construction on the building sometime in the future.