Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine Renovation and Expansion

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine (BGCSM) is transforming its historic Portland Clubhouse into a future-forward Greater Portland Youth Campus through a major renovation and expansion. This initiative is the center of the organization’s “A Place for Growth” capital campaign, designed to double the Club’s daily capacity and provide a dedicated pathway to success for high school youth across Southern Maine.

SMRT is partnering with BGCSM to integrate a modern, purpose-built addition into the cherished, historic 1939 Clubhouse, originally designed by SMRT’s founder, John Calvin Stevens. The design approach honors the original structure’s legacy while establishing a dynamic, advanced facility that directly addresses the rising demand for teen-focused programming, career readiness, and essential support services. The revitalized campus will ensure the Club’s century-long mission continues to empower the region’s youth for generations to come.

Client

Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine

Location

Portland, ME

Square Feet

16,000

The centerpiece of the expansion is the new James and Hilla Bruni Bridge to Success Center, a 13,000-square-foot hub designed exclusively for high school-age youth. Recognizing the need for early career exposure, the Center’s innovative design goes beyond traditional classroom settings to provide practical skills development and workforce preparation.

Key design features include:

Three large garage bays for hands-on, practical training.
Instructional food prep area to support the meal program and hospitality skills.
Tech/gaming center to engage and attract teens.
Community partner hub to host local organizations.

The renovation of the historic Clubhouse modernizes the existing facilities for elementary and middle school members, ensuring equitable access to safe, supportive, and stimulating environments. With state-of-the-art resources and connections to professional and vocational pathways, the new campus supports the academic success, health, and character development of over 500 young people each day.