Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has served as a vital resource for young people. While the organization’s mission expanded and local demand grew, the aging DeSoto Club facility was unable to keep up. With that in mind, the Club set out to replace the 50-year-old building with a state-of-the-art facility that could serve twice as many youth for generations to come.

Working with architects Ugarte & Associates, NDC Construction broke ground on a new 38,477-square-foot facility. Enthusiastic Club members watched the progress from the old clubhouse across the street. Throughout the project, NDC took steps to ensure the Club could continue its programs uninterrupted.

The new facility can accommodate 550 members and features an air-conditioned gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, classroom spaces, computer labs, an art room, and offices—while also housing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s corporate offices. The large outdoor covered pavilion includes café seating, a basketball court, and outdoor recreation space.

With the Club’s essential mission in mind, special care was taken to design the facility so that there are no “hiding spots,” while still maintaining defined program spaces for concurrent activities.