Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced Monday that the Atwood Community Center will receive a $2 million donation from brothers Irwin and Robert Goodman.

The announcement was made at the current community center, which consists of three older buildings that the center would like to consolidate into one.

"It's an incredibly generous donation, and the Goodman brothers have set an example for giving back to the community," said George Twigg, communications director for Cieslewicz.

The donation will go toward helping build the center's new facility, which will be renamed after the two brothers. The city is giving $1.2 million for construction and $100,000 for the planning of the facility.

According to Twigg, the Goodman brothers were impressed with the community center.

"I know one of the things they found most appealing about Atwood was the range of programs for Madisonians of all ages," Twigg said.

The Goodman brothers were unable to attend the announcement themselves due to health issues, but they issued a statement expressing their excitement about the new community center and its programs.

"We are particularly pleased with the center's programs for older adults, providing nutrition to low-income seniors and, most importantly, providing social connections that reduce isolation among seniors who live alone," the Goodman brothers said in the statement.

In the statement, the brothers also expressed their pleasure at being in a situation where they can give back to the Madison community.

Ald. Judy Olson, District 6, whose district includes the community center, said she is looking forward to seeing the new facility.

"It's such a great project in so many ways — it takes an old building and adapts it for wonderful new uses," Olson said. "It will restore an old building to its historic character, and it will be a great community gathering place and resource."

The Goodman brothers have lived and worked in Madison for almost 70 years. Madison was able to open its first public swimming pool in 2006 thanks to a $2.8 million donation from the brothers.

"They've given many other donations to other projects that aren't as high profile," Twigg said.

To date, the center has raised $10 million through fundraising to build its new facility. The Atwood center still needs to raise $2.2 million to reach its goal.

The Atwood Community Center has been in existence for 53 years, and it offers social programs, including preschool and youth mentoring.

The center's next fundraising event will be held April 14, when the Harmony Bar will sponsor a Jimmy Buffet night.