DPR Construction’s self-perform workers (SPW) came together to complete a highly anticipated renovation project for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay’s Belmont Heights club. In conjunction with DPR’s community initiatives commitment to facility construction and renovation, the project scope included a full demolition and build-out of an old, non-reusable locker room to update and expand Belmont Heights’ existing facility.

“DPR and the Boys & Girls Clubs have been working toward fulfilling this renovation for two-years now,” said Erin Knight, a project manager and estimator for DPR’s SPW team (Division 10/Specialties) for the Southeast region. “We wanted to create an open space that helped the club gain 2,200 sq.-ft. back that had become dead space for nearly 15 years.”

Crediting DPR’s SPW crews (consisting of concrete, doors, flooring, hardware, drywall and Division 10/Specialties) and local trade partners for completing the three-month renovation, Knight expressed how this project reflected DPR’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Tampa Bay community.

“Our SPW crew allowed us to control the project environment,” says Knight. “We were able to use our expertise as builders to efficiently and effectively complete the renovation, in addition to saving nearly $8,700 to give back to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.”

Demolition on the club began amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and, as the project progressed, the logistical changes necessitated by the pandemic increased the significance of DPR’s facility updates.

“This renovation allowed the Boys & Girls Club to have adequate space for the local step/dance team to practice and compete in, and to host essential after-school and summer programs that require social distancing measures,” shared Knight.

DPR’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay started more than five years ago, and Knight looks forward to more opportunities for collaboration in the future.

“We are here to change and grow the city of Tampa and want to make sure those goals positively affect the under-resourced as well,” said Knight.