Building a Brighter Future in Ripon
A new chapter has begun in Ripon, Wisconsin, for the Tri-County Area’s youth. C.D. Smith Construction served as construction manager for the new Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area, bringing to life a vibrant, purpose-driven facility designed to support the community’s next generation.
This state-of-the-art building is not just a structure. It's a space for growth, guidance and opportunity.
A New Boys & Girls Club for the Tri-County Area
The 39,073-square-foot two-story youth development center redeveloped the long-vacant Republican House site at 209 E. Blossom Street, transforming an underutilized downtown parcel into a full-service youth campus serving Ripon and surrounding communities.
Community leaders and families celebrate the opening of the Ripon Club.
Designed for Youth Development and Long Term Impact
The facility includes a full-size gymnasium, licensed childcare classrooms, skilled trades workshops, and a teen employment center. Each space supports academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development.
Serving youth ages 6 to 18, the Club provides technology access, basic needs programs and daily hot meals prepared in a commercial kitchen, giving kids the tools they need to thrive.
Licensed childcare spaces support early learners and working families.
Teen spaces support workforce readiness mentorship and recreation.
Self-Performed Work That Built the Foundation
C.D. Smith self-performed major components, including concrete foundations and flatwork, steel erection, masonry, precast concrete installation, and both rough and finish carpentry. These trades established the core structure that supports flexible programs and long-term performance.
Building on a Constrained Downtown Site
The project required demolition and redevelopment on a tight urban parcel bordered by narrow streets, adjacent buildings, and active pedestrian routes. Limited laydown areas required disciplined logistics, coordinated deliveries, and carefully sequenced foundation and utility work.
A two story lobby connects programs and creates a welcoming front door for families.
Integrating Value Engineering During a Capital Campaign
Rising costs during the bidding cycle required the project team and owner to evaluate reductions in building size, including temporary removal of the second floor. As fundraising advanced and additional commitments were secured, including a matching gift, the full two-story program was reinstated.
C.D. Smith worked closely with Gries Architectural Group and Reyn Engineering to align scope modifications, value engineering, and construction sequencing with the evolving capital campaign, while maintaining the overall delivery schedule.
Structural and Performance Solutions
The structural system uses precast concrete plank and insulated precast wall panels to span large volumes like the gymnasium and trades workshop while maintaining usable headroom and accommodating coordinated routing for building systems. These solutions support long-term durability and flexible programming.
A full-size gym supports athletics events and year-round community activity.
The skilled trades workshop gives youth hands on exposure to career pathways.
Safety From Construction Through Occupancy
The downtown location required careful management of traffic, pedestrians, and adjacent businesses throughout construction. Deliveries, crane operations and material staging were sequenced to minimize disruption and maintain safe public circulation around the site.
Safety considerations also informed the finished building design, including secure access control points, a drive-through drop-off area, fenced childcare and play areas, and clear separation between vehicle circulation and youth movement.
Investing in Futures and Strengthening Downtown Ripon
This project goes beyond bricks and mortar. It is about investing in futures, supporting families, and building a stronger, more connected community.
It's all part of shaping a place where kids feel safe, supported, and inspired to lead.
Learn more: https://www.cdsmith.com/bgc-ripon#ribbon-cutting
Key Takeaways
- 39,073 square foot youth development center in downtown Ripon
- Two-story structure on a constrained urban infill site
- Value engineering integrated during fundraising to preserve program scope
- Skilled trades workshop, licensed childcare and teen employment center on one campus
- Precast structural solutions supporting long-term performance and flexible programming
###
Date: Fall 2025 | Beneath The Hard Hat® Magazine
«•»
Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL
#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe
Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Boys & Girls Club Facility
What does it take to build a Boys & Girls Club facility?
Building a Boys & Girls Club requires coordination between community stakeholders, capital campaign leaders, architects, engineers and construction professionals. Projects often include specialized programming spaces such as gyms, childcare rooms, STEM labs and workforce development workshops, all while meeting safety, security and budget requirements.
How do you manage construction during an active capital campaign?
When fundraising continues during construction, flexibility is critical. Scope alignment, phased design adjustments and disciplined value engineering allow project teams to respond to evolving funding commitments while maintaining schedule integrity.
What are important design considerations for youth development facilities?
Youth development centers must balance openness and transparency with controlled access and safety. Durable materials, flexible programming spaces and energy-efficient systems help ensure long-term operational sustainability.
Can construction be phased if funding changes?
Yes. With proper preconstruction planning, building systems and program spaces can be prioritized or adjusted to align with fundraising milestones without compromising long-term performance.
