LYNN — If you thought the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn looked better than it did a decade ago, just wait. They’re getting ready for phase two of renovations (phase one happened in 2019 and cost $6.3 million).
Club Executive Director Brian Theirrien says work for the major reconstruction will begin in June and is expected to cost $18 million. The project will take about 14 months, and they are hoping it will be done by September 2026. The number one reason for this expansion? Getting kids off of the waitlist and into the building.
“Right now, we’re serving up to 425 kids a day,” Theirrien said. “When this happens and all the work is done, we will be able to get 650 kids in here.”
The major upgrades will impact the club’s Drop-In Center, Kids Club, and Teen Center. They will add a commercial kitchen and cafeteria for the cooking club, as well as a dedicated kitchen to transition meals to in-house. There will also be a brand new area for the pool, with the addition of a splash pad, and not only are they updating their current gym, but they’ll be building a second one upstairs for the Kids Club.
And that’s not even the best part. The added gym will serve a dual purpose by converting into a theater with a stage and seating, so they can host their own theater productions. Two new classrooms will also be added upstairs, so more kids can get enrolled in the licensed childcare program.
“I am super excited for this second phase,” said Xiomary Garcia, Site Coordinator of Kids Club. “We’ll be able to get kids off of the streets and get them in here where our educational programs will be the best thing for them.”
The Teen Center will get an upgraded Planet Fitness room with more equipment and a practice space for kids who love dance. They will also get a new game room as well as a dedicated Keystone Conference Room. Because many of the teen program spaces are shared with other programs, their hours are limited. So, these enhancements will allow them to have their “own wing” of the building. Theirrien says he is hopeful this will empower them to thrive, succeed and reach their fullest potential.
For many years (including the ones where I came here as a kid), most of the halls and stairways of this building were dark, creepy and closed off for safety. Now, they’re full of bright colors, light and ease of accessibility. With this major reconstruction, every inch of space will have intention.
“Having the right program space for these kids to become successful is most important,” Theirrien said. “We don’t want them to just be here. We want them to be here with a purpose.”
Eighteen million dollars is a lot of money, so it’s a good thing the club has already received nearly $11.5 million in donations. Theirrien is excited for the work to get started. When I asked what phase of renovations were next for the club, he said he hopes this one is the last.
“With the waitlist, it irks me that there are families that want to be here but cannot because of the current space,” he said. “Every child that wants to be here should be able to come here. To have 75 kids on a waitlist, when I know our staff can help them, that frustrates me. That’s why I’m so happy we are able to do this renovation.”
Bella diGrazia can be reached at [email protected]
