Needham's new senior center has a name.

Selectmen voted Tuesday evening, Sept. 18 to approve the Council on Aging Board's proposal to name the new building at Hillside Avenue and West Street "The Center at the Heights."

The name is a nod to the building's location near the Needham Heights Commuter Rail Station. The absence of the word "senior" in the title also could encourage residents who don't like the label to come enjoy the new facility, proponent Steve Cadigan said at a meeting last week.

Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the name.

While he supported the name, Selectman Matt Borrelli suggested that the Council on Aging Board consider dedicating the building to a past or present Needham resident—"a patriarch or matriarch of the town"—once it is ready to open.

When completed, the 20,000 sq. ft. building will house Needham's Council on Aging, its offices, programs and services. The two-story building will include a 3,000 sq. ft. multipurpose area with seating for 250 as well as program spaces, a fitness room, art room, library, offices, meeting rooms and a roof garden on the second level.

The town has promised $8.5 million for the project.

An event to raise funds for additional equipment and materials for the building is being planned for Wednesday, Oct. 17. The cocktail party fundraiser will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Needham Golf Club and will feature refreshments, silent and live auctions and a few surprises. Tickets cost $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Stephen Palmer Senior Center at 781-455-7555 or Fundraising Committee member Colleen Schaller at 781-444-8367.