Since its original construction in 1966, the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro has provided after-school and summer programs serving San Leandro and San Lorenzo area youth ages 6 to 18 and a venue for events and social services for the local community. Over time the Clubs’ student program offerings have shifted away from primarily sports and recreation towards academic support and technology, social and emotional well-being, college and career preparation, vocational skills, and health.

Siegel & Strain Architects worked with the Clubs to help them re-envision their site and building as a place where students can tinker, play, learn and be together, inside and outside, in a variety of spaces that are neither school nor home. The renovated building houses a new technology center for digital arts and music, a new makerspace and program rooms, a new play yard reclaimed from a parking lot along with a refurbished gymnasium, commercial kitchen and multipurpose room, all designed to empower kids as they develop.

Our services included: modernizing all interiors with new technology, healthful building materials and high-efficiency building systems; optimizing daylighting and natural ventilation while strengthening the connection to the outdoors; upgrading the structural system to meet current codes; redesigning the main parking area to provide a safe pick-up and drop-off zone at a new entry; and replacing a secondary parking area with an open, green recreational area.