A permanent home after 70 years of moving

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo opened its doors on June 8 at 847 Portage St., marking the first time in seven decades that the nonprofit has owned its own building.

For 70 years, the organization relied on borrowed space from Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation, and community partners. CEO Matt Forkin said the club operated out of 17 or 18 different locations over its history, including a 50-year stint at the now-demolished Edison School.

“We finally have a permanent home,” Forkin said. “That doesn’t mean we’re going to stop here, though. We have to keep meeting kids and families where they’re at.”

The price of building in a changed world

The project began with different numbers. According to News Channel 3 (WWMT), the organization broke ground just over two years ago on a $9 million facility.

The final cost rose to $12 million, according to an MLive report published June 16. Development prices surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflict. The building was redesigned from a planned 35,000-square-foot, two-story structure to a 22,000-square-foot single story with a roof prepared for future expansion.

Forkin said the capacity was reduced by only 25 kids. Administrative space was cut to protect youth programming.

“That requires everyone to just stay focused on the mission to maximize what we can do for young people in the community,” Forkin said.

Named for a longtime leader

The building was named after Bob Ezell, the club’s former chief professional officer, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 5. NowKalamazoo and WWMT both reported the naming at the time.

Ezell told reporters that families could expect safety and growth for their children at the new location.

“They can expect safety, they can expect a place where kids are going to learn and grow and make friends,” Ezell said.

What the space offers

The new facility serves as a “third space” for the community, open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. All services are free, according to Forkin.

Key features include:

  • A STEM lab with 3D printers and coding computers
  • An art room with MacBooks for graphic design, pottery wheels, and sewing machines
  • A kitchen and cafe, the first in the organization’s history. Last year, the club provided over 18,000 meals.
  • A gym lined for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Forkin said sports are the “hook” for many teenagers, and the gym will be available to community partners on weekends and evenings.
  • Age-specific rooms for K-2 students, older elementary students, middle schoolers, and teens

Forkin expects to serve over 100 kids daily this summer. Between in-house and auxiliary programming, the club aims to reach 1,200 to 1,500 kids per year.

Why it matters

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo fills a gap for after-school care and enrichment in Kalamazoo. The new location eliminates the uncertainty of relying on borrowed school and park spaces.

The building also serves as a rain site for Parks and Recreation programs, ensuring activities continue even in bad weather.

Forkin emphasized that the building is designed to feel different from a school.

“Teens were really passionate about this space,” Forkin said. “They said it can’t smell like a school cafeteria.”

Staff used different cleaning supplies to ensure the space had a distinct scent, according to Forkin.