Building Futures Update – Steel

November 30, 2016

Construction continues at Charles Gardner Lane! Steel has been erected in the form of joists over the gym, where the walls have been completed. The building is starting to look much different on a week to week basis and we could not be more excited.  We are so thankful for our amazing partners on this important project:  The Maggiore Companies, Design & Development Solutions, Century Bank, Leslie Saul & Associates and our countless donors and volunteers who are giving so much to ensure the project’s success.

Time is running out to leave your mark by contributing to the project and having your name listed on the donor wall in the newly constructed, welcoming front lobby at the Clubhouse. Please consider pledging your support today.

As noted above, steel roof joists have been placed over the gym where the walls have been completed. The roof deck will be installed next.

As noted above, steel roof joists have been placed over the gym where the walls have been completed. The roof deck will be installed next.

With the gym addition masonry complete, work has now begun on the walls that will house the addition of program rooms next to the gym and behind the gamesroom.

With the gym addition masonry complete, work has now begun on the walls that will house the addition of program rooms next to the gym and behind the gamesroom.

Interior partitions have begun to take shape this week as well. This will be the new girls locker room, located in the same space as the former girls locker room.

Interior partitions have begun to take shape this week as well. This will be the new girls locker room, located in the same space as the former girls locker room.

Repair work continues at the swimming pool roof where the work in zone 1 is complete and zone 2 is underway.

Repair work continues at the swimming pool roof where the work in zone 1 is complete and zone 2 is underway.

In this view from the other side of the pool, you can see that the new addition at the front of the building, that will house bleacher seating, has been completed.

In this view from the other side of the pool, you can see that the new addition at the front of the building, that will house bleacher seating, has been completed.

As always, your support is needed to see this important project through to completion. Please consider getting involved in the Building Futures Campaign today.

Building Futures Update – Progress Continues!

November 16, 2016 – Seeing Progress

Construction at our new 48,000 square foot facility at Charles Gardner Lane continues this week. We are so pleased with the progress and excited to share some new photos with our Club members, alumni, families and supporters! Masonry work continues at both the swimming pool and gymnasium, and steel is expected to arrive next week. At that time, the building project should start to look really different.

If you haven’t yet given to the Building Futures Campaign, there is still time. Donors have until December 31, 2016 to make a contribution of $2,500 or more to be included in our beautiful donor wall that will be located in our new lobby.

Our continued thanks to our project partners:  The Maggiore Companies, Century Bank, Design Development Solutions, Leslie Saul & Associates and all those who continue to push this project forward for our kids and our teens.

The walls at the front of the swimming pool have taken shape. This new 25 foot section will feature a seating area for parents & spectators.

The walls at the front of the swimming pool have taken shape. This new 25 foot section will feature a seating area for parents & spectators.

Inside the swimming pool, the masonry work on the far wall has been complete and the windows that will allow viewing from the Teen Center on the second floor have been cut.

Inside the swimming pool, the masonry work on the far wall has been complete and the windows that will allow viewing from the Teen Center on the second floor have been cut.

A view of that same wall from what will be the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

A view of that same wall from what will be the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

The masonry walls continue to grow taller around the gymnasium. We expect steel to be put in the gym to frame the roof next week.

The masonry walls continue to grow taller around the gymnasium. We expect steel to be put in the gym to frame the roof next week.

Forms are being laid out to pour steps & a concrete landing for the emergency exit at the rear of the gymnasium.

Forms are being laid out to pour steps & a concrete landing for the emergency exit at the rear of the gymnasium.

Thank you to our donors for your continued support of this important project for our kids, our organization and our entire community. There is still time to get involved for those who have not yet given. Please consider giving to the Building Futures Campaign today.

Building Futures Update – Pool Roof & Continued Masonry

November 9, 2016 – Pool Roof & Continued Masonry

This week has been a busy one at Charles Gardner Lane!  Masonry work has continued on the gymnasium addition and new seating section at the front of the swimming pool. The backfill at the gymnasium (both interior and exterior) is just 1 week away from being complete. This week also saw the beginning of a complex project to repair and replace the roof over the swimming pool. Zone 1 has been removed and next next week a bond beam will be installed, followed by new joists and new steel roof decking.

Donations are still needed to make this project a reality. To learn more about how you can become a Building Futures Campaign donor, please contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development. Those who wish to make a donation of $2,500 or more will be have their name (or that of a loved one) displayed on the beautiful donor wall in our new lobby.

A new wall is constructed that will separate the swimming pool from the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

A new wall is constructed that will separate the swimming pool from the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

This wall in the gymnasium (along the Place Lane side of the property) is nearly as tall as it will be when finished.

This wall in the gymnasium (along the Place Lane side of the property) is nearly as tall as it will be when finished.

The roof over zone 1 in the swimming pool has been removed to make room for bond beams, new joists and a new steel roof deck.

The roof over zone 1 in the swimming pool has been removed to make room for bond beams, new joists and a new steel roof deck.

Looking the other direction in the swimming pool, windows that will look down from the second floor Teen Center have been cut and repair work on that wall continues.

Looking the other direction in the swimming pool, windows that will look down from the second floor Teen Center have been cut and repair work on that wall continues.

We continue to be so thankful for all of the project partners that have made this project so successful to date. Thank you to our donors,Century Bank, The Maggiore Companies, Design & Development Solutions, the City of Woburn, and a special thank you to our kind and understanding neighbors.

Building Futures Update – Gym Construction

November 2, 2016 – Building Futures Update

Construction continues to progress at a rapid rate at Charles Gardner Lane! The mason walls in the two story addition at the back of the building continue to grow taller as new soil to be used as fill is brought into the section as well. With the walls in place, it is impressive and exciting to see just how large our expanded Clubhouse will be! Masonry work has also begun at the new section of the swimming pool that will feature additional seating for our families and spectators.

To learn more about how you can become a Building Futures Campaign donor, please contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development. Those who wish to make a donation of $2,500 or more will be have their name (or that of a loved one) displayed on the beautiful donor wall in our new lobby.

The addition in the rear of the building will house our new gymnasium as well as a two story program addition.

The addition in the rear of the building will house our new gymnasium as well as a two story program addition.

This photo, taken from the former kitchen area, demonstrates just how large our new gymnasium will be. It will feature two full sized basketball courts.

New masonry walls at the front of the swimming pool are being built this week. An opening will remain for the actual pool construction to take place later in the project.

New masonry walls at the front of the swimming pool are being built this week. An opening will remain for the actual pool construction to take place later in the project.

Next week, work will begin on the upgrading and replacement of the roof in the swimming pool.

Next week, work will begin on the upgrading and replacement of the roof in the swimming pool.

Check back next Wednesday to see more photos of our Clubhouse renovation & expansion project!  As always, your donation is needed to see this project through to completion. No donation is too small.  Get involved today!

League of Eagles Award

League of Eagles Award – October 27, 2016

At Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Northeast Leadership Conference in Manchester, NH, the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn received the League of EAGLES Gold Level Award.  This award recognizes organizations for achieving 95% or higher level of board involvement in the following key result areas:  Engage.  Ask.  Give.  Lead.  Evaluate.  Serve.

The Board of Directors at the Jamie McKeown Boys & Girls Club is comprised of 37 men and women who volunteer countless hours while providing leadership and expertise to govern the organization. The group is comprised of men and women, many of whom are alumni of the Club, with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. In recent years, the commitment of this generous group of individuals has allowed the organization to realize its potential to build a state of the art Clubhouse for the community, which is slated to open later in 2017.

The James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn is one of just two Clubs in the entire northeast region to receive this prestigious accolade.  Executive Director Julie Gage and President of the Board of Directors Michael Donaghey were on hand to accept the award from BGCA’s Vice President for the Northeast Region Ron Hadorn.

Building Futures Update – New Walls

Building Futures Update – October 26, 2016

All of us at the Jamie McKeown Boys & Girls Club are thrilled to report that tremendous strides in the construction work have been made at Charles Gardner Lane over the past week. Most important to note are the new walls at the 2 story addition in the rear of the property. The masonry work is progressing very successfully and all involved are thrilled with the progress. We continue to be thankful for our project partners at Design & Development Solutions, The Maggiore Companies, Century Bank and most importantly, our supportive donors! To learn more about how you can become a Building Futures Campaign donor, please visit www.buildingfuturescampaign.org or contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development.

Gym Construction

Masonry work continues at what will be the site of the new gymnasium, which will be twice the size of the former gym.

New masonry walls are also being built beside the gym, where a two story addition will house our childcare, fitness, and educational program spaces.

New masonry walls are also being built beside the gym, where a two story addition will house our childcare, fitness, and educational program spaces.

Foundation footings have been poured for the new stadium seating section at the front end of the swimming pool.

Foundation footings have been poured for the new stadium seating section at the front end of the swimming pool.

Foundation work continues at the addition in the front of the building which will house a new lobby and cafeteria.

Foundation work continues at the addition in the front of the building which will house a new lobby and cafeteria.

As always, additional donations are needed to see the Building Futures Campaign and construction project through to completion. Please consider getting involved. Every donation is important to the success of this project. On behalf of the kids & teens who know our Club as the place where “Greatness has a voice,” thank you for your continued support!

Winning Home, Inc. pledges generous support to the Building Futures Campaign!

Winning Home, Inc. Board members Albert Curran, Jr., Tom Martin, and Mark Salvati visited James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn Board President, Michael Donaghey and Executive Director, Julie Gage at the construction site of the McKeown Boys & Girls Club to present a very generous gift of $500,000 to the Building Futures Campaign. Winning Home, Inc. provides services and support to disadvantaged children and their families have granted more than $3,800,000 million to organizations since 1998. Winning Home, Inc. has been a leading supporter of the McKeown Boys & Girls Club for decades. Many Club alumni fondly remember spending their summers at Winning Farm. Since the inception of the foundation’s grant program, the Club has received $1,600,000 including the new grant in support from Winning Home, Inc.

Albert Curran, Jr. said about their support of the project, “Winning Home is excited and proud to be a part the renovation project at the James L. McKeown Boys Girls Club’s by supporting the Building Futures Campaign. The positive impact the Club has had on Woburn area children since the Club was first opened in the early 1960’s is immeasurable. With this renovation the Club positions itself to continue for decades more to educate and nurture the children of our City. Winning Home encourages all citizens to donate and be a part of this historic and important project.”

The Building Futures Campaign aims nearly double the size of the Clubhouse and modernize the existing structure. The new and expanded building will allow the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club to serve more youth and expand its programming. The new facility will include an expanded pool and gymnasium, new exercise room and fitness center, new commercial grade kitchen with a café, new classrooms and a new teen center.

“We are so fortunate to have the incredibly generous support of Winning Home Inc,” said Club President Michael Donaghey. “They have been fantastic supporters of the Jamie McKeown Boys & Girls Club since the days of Winning Farm and this generous gift further demonstrates their commitment to the children in our community.” This pledge is especially critical because at the beginning of this calendar year, the Cummings Foundation challenged the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club to raise $1 million in leadership gifts for the Building Futures Campaign which they would match. This generous pledge from Winning Home, Inc. has now put the McKeown Boys & Girls Club just $100,000 away from meeting this challenge.

To learn more about the Building Futures Campaign at the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, please visit www.buildingfuturescampaign.org or contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development at (781) 935-3777 or l.teta@bgcwoburn.org.

Building Futures Update – Masonry

Building Futures Update – October 19, 2016

Masonry work has begun at Charles Gardner Lane! The foundation footings have been poured at the rear of the building where a huge two story addition that will house the gymnasium and a two story program space that will include childcare classrooms, a new learning center and new fitness studios.

Gym Site Work

Site work and back fill continues as masonry work begins at the rear of the building, the location of the new gymnasium.

View from the boys locker room, where you can see the beginnings of the new gymnasium and locker room walls.

View from the boys locker room, where you can see the beginnings of the new gymnasium and locker room walls.

Inside the gamesroom area of the Club, new foundations have been dug and the erection of new steel columns is underway. The swimming pool demolition is nearly complete. Soon, work on the roof will begin in that section of the building.

A view of the swimming pool which has been completely removed.

A view of the swimming pool which has been completely removed.

The foundation footings in the front of the building show where the cafeteria/kitchen will be.

The foundation footings in the front of the building show where the cafeteria/kitchen will be.

Although it is exciting to see new walls start to be erected, please remember that we have quite a bit of fundraising to do. We are still hoping to raise an additional $2 million to complete the campaign and ensure that we can have the most up to date technology and equipment when we open in late 2017. You can help us reach this goal by donating today at www.buildingfuturescampaign.org. To learn more about the campaign and how you can make a multi-year pledge or a one time gift, please contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development.

Building Futures Update – New Foundations

Building Futures Update – October 12, 2016

With demolition nearly complete, we are happy to report that we have begun construction of some of the new additions that will be built at Charles Gardner Lane! We are still hoping to raise an additional $2 million to complete the campaign and ensure that we can have the most up to date technology, furniture and equipment when we open in late 2017.  You can help us reach this goal by donating today at www.buildingfuturescampaign.org.

Demolition continues in the swimming pool.  With the exterior, front facing wall as well as the deck having been removed, the demolition crew is now working on removing the tile from the “hole” itself.  In the coming weeks, we will begin working to repair and replace portions of the roof before construction of the new swimming pool begins.

Demolition is underway in the swimming pool itself.

Demolition is underway in the swimming pool itself.

Behind the building, soil testing is taking place and the site is being excavated for what will be the new two story addition in the rear of the facility. This section of the building will house the new gymnasium as well as the childcare center, fitness room, classrooms, offices and more.

Foundation work at the site of the former boys locker room, where it met the former gym.

Foundation work at the site of the former boys locker room, where it met the former gym.

 

Blocks being removed at the janitor's closet and Program Director's office to make way for a new wall that will join to the gym.

Blocks being removed at the janitor’s closet and Program Director’s office to make way for a new wall that will join to the gym.

In the front of the building, the foundation footings for the new addition have been poured. This new expanded section will be one story and will feature our new cafeteria, lobby, office space and commercial grade kitchen. By looking at the new footings, you can see the size of this addition.

New foundation footings in the front of the Clubhouse.

New foundation footings in the front of the Clubhouse.

Remember, every donation makes a difference and helps us build this great future home for the youth and teens of Woburn and the surrounding communities. Please consider supporting the Building Futures Campaign today. And, be sure to check back each week for a new construction update!

Building Futures Update – Demolition Continues

Building Futures Update – October 5, 2016

Demolition is nearing completion at Charles Gardner Lane.  The gymnasium has been completely removed, including the concrete slab. We are very much looking forward to our new gymnasium that will be twice the size and able to accommodate many more fun fitness activities for our members!

Gym

The site where the gym used to be, in the rear of the building. This will also be the site of the newly constructed gymnasium.

The swimming pool demolition is also underway.  The deck has been completely removed, down to the stone.  Later this week the tile in the “hole” itself will also be removed and pool construction and renovation will begin within the next month.

Demolition of the pool deck has been completed.

Demolition of the pool deck has been completed. This view is from the parking lot side.

Interior demolition of the gamesroom, offices, teen center, locker rooms and all other spaces has also been completed.  Site work in the front of the building has begun, where an addition that will include a new kitchen, cafeteria, lobby, office space and more will be built.

pool-office

The former swimming pool office. Once renovated, this space will continue to serve as the aquatics administrative office.

The former Program Director's Office, known in more recent years as the AmeriCorps office.

The former Program Director’s Office, known in more recent years as the AmeriCorps office.

A view into the Club from the former girls locker room.

A view into the Club from the former girls locker room.

Your support is still needed to bring this project to fruition. Although we have begun construction, the campaign is not finished.  We still need to raise at least $2 million to ensure that we can have the most up to date technology, furniture and equipment for our new facility. Please consider supporting the Building Futures Campaign today. Every donation counts, no matter the size. Thank you in advance for your generous donation!