COLUMBIA, MO. -- Columbia teenagers are getting a new place to learn and hang out.
Area dignitaries broke ground on Wednesday for the Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Area Expanded Youth Development Center, formerly The Teen Center.
The new 9,000 sq. ft. 2-story facility will serve about 500 youth.
Inside the center, there will be classrooms, a technology room, a library, a teen center area and a full service cafeteria.
A full-sized basketball court and playground will sit outside the building.
Executive Director Valorie Livingston said, “We’ve had a long waiting list of children who need a place to go after school. The community has called for a place where to teens can go, as well as other age children, that’s safe and positive and fun. It can keep them out of trouble and impact their lives.”
The Boys and Girls Club capital campaign is funding the project.
Organizers have raised about 75% of their $800,000 goal.
Construction is expected to be finished in June.
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