When the Boys & Girls Clubs board learned that their longtime Valparaiso facility would require over $2 million in repairs just to remain operational for another five years, they made the forward-thinking decision to invest in a new building. We were honored to be selected as the Design-Builder for this important project—entrusted not only to construct the new space, but also to guide it from concept through completion.
As the Design-Builder, we served as a single point of contact for design, budgeting, and construction execution. This delivery method offers substantial benefits for nonprofit organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs: it simplifies communication, streamlines decision-making, and ensures alignment between vision, budget, and schedule from day one. Most importantly, it eliminates the costly disconnects that often occur between architects and contractors in traditional project delivery methods.
By integrating Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) into our process, we were able to create a fully coordinated digital model of the building before breaking ground. This technology allowed us to identify and resolve potential conflicts early, enhance collaboration with the design team, and provide the Club’s leadership with a clear visual understanding of their new space throughout design development. These tools were especially valuable given the pandemic-era limitations, where all design meetings and city approvals took place virtually. Even in a remote setting, the client remained fully informed and empowered to make timely decisions.
The result was a stunning new 37,000-square-foot facility, centrally located and purpose-built to serve over 500 kids (more than five times the capacity of the original Club). From open activity areas and educational spaces to sports and recreation amenities, the building now provides the kind of environment that helps Boys & Girls Clubs continue fulfilling their mission at scale.
