Construction Progresses at Boys and Girls Club

Via the Rappahannock Record on June 11, 2020

After months of weather- and coronavirus-related construction delays, the new Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck clubhouse is taking shape at 517 North Main Street, Kilmarnock.

A glance at the site, driving by, will now reveal exterior walls with openings for large windows, roof, concrete floor and a curious, tall architectural feature in the center of the building. That feature is the framework for a large “drum” that will contain the entrance, bringing light into a welcoming reception area where club members will be directed by age group to one of two doors leading to program space, staff to another and visitors to another.

In this second week of June, a peek inside might surprise. The building is spacious—some 15,000 square feet—so much more than the view from the street suggests, according to executive director Phillip Mumford.

With sewer and water lines in place and heating, ventilation and air conditioning duct- work being installed, it will soon be time for installation of the fire

sprinkling system, interior partitions, electric, plumbing, communication technology and security systems. Then it will be on to interior finishes.

All construction is being completed using energy-efficient building techniques and materials. Overall, the space will be light-filled, open and adaptable to the programming needs of both youth and teens.

To the side of the teen center— a wide open, partition-free area that can be arranged to accommodate a range of teen activities— will be a kitchen for the use of the club’s youth and teen chefs. An interior ramp from the rear of this area will lead directly to the 12,000-square-foot activity center with its basketball court, rooms for small group programs, special projects and arts activities.

“Our amazing team of Randall Kipp, architect, and Joe Heyman of The Allen Group, contractors, has kept us on schedule to complete construction by November 1,” said Mumford. “We can’t wait to welcome our members to their new club. Meanwhile we will provide periodic updates and welcome any questions our community might have.”

Email questions to info@bgcnn.org. To make a donation to the building fund, go to bgcnn.org.