The Greater Ridgewood Youth Council (GRYC) began the renovation of a 9,000 Sq. Ft. Community Center to meet the growing demands of residents within Community Board 5 in Glendale, Queens.  Renovation started during the summer of 1999 and by January 2002, approximately 90% of the work had been completed.  Today, the entire facility is being utilized in the daily effort to improve the quality of life for youth and families.

The architectural firm of Agusta & Agusta strategically converted the former Karl Ehmer Pork Store into the GRYC Community Center.  Their planning was challenged by the building's deteriorated condition due to years of abandonment and vandalism.  A portion of the building’s poor condition was a result of a fire.   As photographed, the building was a complete mess and virtually nothing in the facility was salvageable.  Floors had large openings and cementing in all areas was necessary.  Agusta & Agusta have transformed a once, meat-processing plant and warehouse into new spaces for learning and positive life experiences. 

The exterior of the facility required graffiti removal.  The building’s entrances and windows have been re-opened and enlarged.  Four skylights have been refurbished to maximize natural lighting needed in classroom spaces.  Small restrooms were also transformed into two large handicap accessible facilities and one small restroom is found in each of the four UPK classrooms, specifically designed for 4-year old children. 

The Community Center houses the GRYC administrative offices, as well as a Universal Pre-K program, a department for Youth Employment, a counseling area, computer lab, an indoor playground, a full-sized kitchen, two basements and several ample storage areas.  The facility’s community-meeting hall is frequently used by community organizations for special events, by local business leaders for conferences and it also acts as a polling site for elections.  

Safety is a top priority when caring for youth; therefore a fire alarm system is distributed throughout the facility.  All classrooms have windows that allow parents and personnel to observe classroom activity.  The facility is also equipped with video cameras to closely monitor program activities. 

The GRYC Community Center continues to help service a greater population than ever in Glendale, Queens.  The facility stands along Myrtle Avenue at 62nd Street and is recognized as a safe haven within the neighborhood.  Its interior consists of lavish and bright colors, which transmit a friendly nonverbal message of unity.  All renovated spaces share in common colorful walls, murals and a sense of a warm and positive world. 

BEFORE: To become the "Blue Room," Pre-K Classroom	AFTER: "Blue Room," Pre-K Classroom (618 Sq. Ft.)
BEFORE: To Become a Community Meeting Hall	AFTER: Vito Maranzano Community Meeting Hall (618 Sq. Ft.)
BEFORE: To Become an Indoor Playground	AFTER: Indoor Playground (approx. 300 Sq. Ft.)
BEFORE: To Become a major corridor that leads to various departments	AFTER: 1 of 2 major corridors. the mural was created to recognize some major GRYC contributors.
BEFORE: A partition is being framed to include additional windows. A deteriorated skylight is seen above.	AFTER: A skylight is refurbished and a new partition is built successfully.