The Over-the-Rhine Senior Center will stay at its location on Race Street, where it has operated for more than 30 years, with an added bonus.

On Wednesday, Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld announced the change which will allow Cincinnati Area Senior Services (CASS) to purchase the OTR building across the street from Findlay Market.

The new plan includes a one-time disbursement of $50,000 for operating funds to CASS. The city will also sell the building to CASS for $1. According to Sittenfeld, CASS sold the city the building for $1.

The city currently owns the building and allows CASS to operate the center rent-free. The organization is responsible for operating costs.

CASS Chief Executive Officer Tracey Collins said owning the building will allow the organization to have more freedom and possibly rent out the second floor to bring in more revenue to cover a budget deficit following years of funding cuts.

More:OTR Senior Center closing doors on Race Street due to funding cuts

More:Rally protests closing of Over-the-Rhine Senior Center

Sittenfeld said he has received "overwhelming support" from other council members to pass the proposal. The lunch crowd inside the center erupted at the news, with enthusiastic praise and applause.

The city's first plan was to move the Over-the-Rhine Senior Center around the corner to the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center on Republic Street. The plan came together shortly after CASS announced it would close the doors of the center at 1720 Race St. at the end of November due to a continuous decrease in funding.

On Wednesday, following news that the center would stay put, Collins said the center will need to raise $50,000 to $75,000 each year to stay open.

SUPPORT JOURNALISM: Subscribe today to get access to all of our coverage

Cheryl Ware, director of the senior center, teared up when she said the group is a family.

"I can't tell you all how much this means," she said. "Not only to me but to them. And this is what it's all about. Them."

Ware said the group was prepared to leave as a family but she's thankful they can stay in their home.

"The love and support I get from these people every day ... you can't buy that. It's genuine and sincere. We're family here," Ware said.

More:More details to come on OTR Senior Center closing

More:City's plan would move senior center operations around the corner