The former St. Mary’s of Mt. Carmel Shrine property served its parishioners for over 60 years. The church, parish hall and rectory buildings were designed by James H. Livingston Associates of Ann Arbor. Construction began the summer of 1961 and the church was dedicated on July 14, 1963. In recent years, the property had been unoccupied and in disrepair. Through the efforts let by the late Dr. George Wagoner, a Manistee resident and MCCOA board member. The Manistee County Council on Aging was able to acquire the property from the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord and transform it into the Wagoner Community Center creating a permanent home for the Manistee County Senior Center where current services could be expanded and new servers offered to the public.  In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Wagoner’s contributions to the project, the complex was named The Wagoner Community Center. 

In addition to housing the Manistee County Senior Center, the Wagoner Community Center is a true community asset, hosting the weekly/seasonal Manistee Farmers Market, the annual Rats and Rods Car Show, the annual Manistee Holiday Craft Fair, candidate forums and other community-oriented events. The facility is also a hub for other non-profit organizations as well as a meeting and banquet venue that can be rented out to the public at large. The large space offers flexibility for a myriad of events and uses, ample and free parking, and easy access for all. 

The renovation of the Wagoner Community Center buildings is an ongoing. The common space and congregate meeting areas have been updated and a plan is underway to modernize the kitchen and banquet facility. Further plans include an outdoor garden and recreation area, as well as, senior residences being developed on the site.