New London — Contractors have begun work converting the former Richard R. Martin Center on Broad Street into a 46-unit apartment complex for individuals 55 and older.

It’s a scaled back version of the 75-unit apartment complex initially proposed for the site last year by the new owner Tauche Capital LLC.

Michael D’Amato, president and CEO of Norwich-based D’Amato Builders and Advisors and consultant on the ongoing work, said the new design fits better with the layout of the building, which is a former school constructed in the 1930s.

D’Amato said this week that work crews are in the process of demolition in some parts of the building while framing in others. The gymnasium is being converted into loft apartments and a new floor is being created on the level where the auditorium is located.

Some of the exterior work, a new roof and window sealing, is already completed.

FRESH New London, which maintains an urban garden center and education center to the rear of the building, will remain. Tauche has an agreement with FRESH for them to remain on site for at least two years.

“It’s pretty exciting what’s going on right now, how things are moving along,” D’Amato said.

He said the goal is to have the building occupied by next Spring.

The Martin Center, owned by the city until 2020, had been an unofficial recreation center of sorts for the city with a gymnasium, auditorium and offices that housed the Recreation Department. Programs had been in decline in recent years and the city abandoned its offices at the building last year because of deteriorating conditions.

The city gave the building to Tauche Capital without cost in exchange for the promised development. The city will be leasing the attached senior center for $50,000 per year, the first three years are rent free. Tauche has three years tax free as part of teh tax abatement agreement.

A long sought after community center, in the form of a regional community recreational facility, is to be constructed at Fort Trumbull. The City Council earlier this year approved spending $30 million on what is expected to be a 62,000-square-foot facility with future operating costs funded through membership fees and rentals. The city has hired an architect, Silver/Petrucelli + Associates, and is expected in the next month to advertise for the job of construction manager.

While the design is not yet set, initial plans call for a two-court gymnasium, six-lane indoor pool, lounge and game room, six multi-purpose rooms and space to house the city’s Recreation and Youth Affairs Departments.

Board of Education member Bryan Doughty, who was among a committee involved in vetting architects for the project, said he expects the school district will have the opportunity to expand programming at the site.

During an information session at the middle school, students were asked for ideas about what they would like to see in the new building. Doughty’s favorite response came from a boy who wanted a masseuse on hand at the recreation center for his parents while he played soccer.

“I’m thrilled we’re moving along and kind of rapidly,” Doughty said of the recreation center development. “I’m a big supporter. I think the community needs this.”

The goal is to finish construction in 2023.

G.smith@theday.com