The Area Agency on Aging will get an updated, modern office and the seniors of Butler Township can anticipate a new senior center.

The county commissioners on Wednesday approved the purchase of the former Butler Health and Racquet Club on North Duffy Road near the Route 422 overpass.

Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said the county was able to buy the large property for $437,500, which is half of the original asking price of $899,000.

She said the county expects to spend about $2.5 million on renovations of the former health club to create the senior center and offices.

Osche said the building will allow agency officials to keep an eye on the seniors using the senior center, plus it is located on a bus route and near the two veterans medical facilities in Butler Township.

The Agency on Aging advisory board voted in September to approve the property as its choice for a new office from a pool with two other locations.

The agency's current office building on the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center campus is plagued with mold, rodents and an inferior sewer system that prevents workers from using some restrooms.

It is also difficult for some seniors to visit, as it has stairs or a ramp for access.

The agency has been searching for a new office for several years.

Osche said in September the building will need a ramped entrance, elevator, additional windows, new paving in the parking lot and other work.

Wil White, county solicitor, said on Wednesday he hopes the building will be in the county's possession by the end of the year.