BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS
OF GREATER WASHINGTON

What began as an intended minor refresh of the tired, outdated headquarters for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington at 4103 Benning Road NE in Washington, DC became a major renovation and a “labor of love” on this pro bono project.

The initial objective for the renovation of the headquarters space was to update the flooring, wall coverings, and furnishings, but expanded to become a major-scale renovation that involved a significant rework of the footprint and revivification of the interior space.

Visitors to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington are greeted by a well-lit glass and brick vestibule, giving visitors a sense of security in this rebounding neighborhood. Rather than sequestering the building to increase safety, the intention of the updated façade design was to give the building a stronger presence in the neighborhood, standing as a touchstone for good citizenship and community involvement. The Boys & Girls Clubs logo at the top of the façade is illuminated at night, providing a bright beacon.

As you enter the interior space, you are greeted by a beautiful mural, which ran runs the length of the narrow entrance hallway and is now the focal point of the expanded reception area. The neutral palette selected for the walls, flooring, and furniture allow this bright and colorful mural to shine as the focal point of the space.

The exposed open plenum is painted in the signature Boys & Girls Clubs blue, and is dotted with white “clouds” throughout, providing accents and illumination throughout the space.

Outdated bathrooms have been given new life, and the cramped pantry area has been expanded to include new appliances and multiple seating areas. The private offices are equipped with additional seating to accommodate small meetings and brainstorm sessions, while the space is also equipped with a sleek, modern conference room which now serves to support the work of the organization. A new, smaller huddle space allows for heads-down work.