Building a Home
The story of the Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club’s clubhouses is about so much more than brick and mortar. NBGC has always strived to be a “home away from home” for our members and their families. With the generous support of our founder, Robert Buehler, these treasured places have been built and taken care of by kids, staff, parents, alumni and the community.
There is an 89-year history of our building, starting with our founding in 1931. The first steps of creating the NBGC happened in a garage. Today, our building consists of two offices, a community room, a game room, a small gym, three large classrooms and athletic fields. Our building has acted as a second home to thousands of members. From fundraisers to improvements, equipment, and fresh paint, each generation leaves their mark on the building, leaving it better than they found it.
There is an 89-year history of our building, starting with our founding in 1931. The first steps of creating the NBGC happened in a garage. Today, our building consists of two offices, a community room, a game room, a small gym, three large classrooms and athletic fields. Our building has acted as a second home to thousands of members. From fundraisers to improvements, equipment, and fresh paint, each generation leaves their mark on the building, leaving it better than they found it.
1931
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When the NBC started in October of 1931 it did not have a clubhouse. Meetings for the original members were in Dick Valentin’s garage. After the first football season, Robert Buehler (NBC founder) and John O’Shea (River Park Commission) met and agreed that the NBC could have the cottage (located at the corner of Irving and Campbell).
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1950
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The little cottage had started showing its age. The clubhouse was closed for significant repairs in 1950, just like the current building is experience today!
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1957
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Construction of the current clubhouse began in spring of 1957 and was completed about a year later. While Robert Buehler would once again provide significant financial support, funding for the new clubhouse was a result of the significant efforts of NBC family and friends. Funds were raised in many ways, including going door to door to get the entire community involve. The funding initiative lead to the start of the Club’s famous carnival.
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Funding initiatives included the NBC Carnival
After raising enough in funds, construction on the Clubhouse began.
1958
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The “new” clubhouse opens for business! It has since served thousands of kids, their family and friends, and has been the site of countless events. This is the building that still stands today, having been the center of the club’s operations for over 60 years.
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1997
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The NBC becomes the NBGC! The signs on the side of the building were changed,
welcoming boys and girls into the clubhouse. |
Sign 1957
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Current Sign
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2011
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The building started showing its age in 2010, leading to the 80th Anniversary Capital Campaign. That initiative started a multi-phase renovation. The first projects included the roof, ADA compliant restroom facilities and the jewel of the neighborhood, the “small gym”.
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2020
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The clubhouse closes for renovations. The 2011 Capital Campaign had more on its wish list that NBGC wasn’t able to attend to. Through the coordinated efforts of the NBGC, the Park District, and Alderman Matt Martin, NBGC was able to receive additional TIF funding to pursue more improvements. These funds allow for the remodeling that started this past September. The clubhouse will soon enjoy a new HVAC system, new windows and outside doors. To continue to serve NBGC’s members, a temporary site was setup at 4020 N. Rockwell.
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Work is being done at the clubhouse.
NBGC is still serving our members at a temporary location on Rockwell Street.
Over the generations, each member has played a vital role in the upkeep of NBGC. Alumni, parents, leaders, and staff members have taken the reins on cleaning, building, designing, and fundraising in order for the clubhouse to continue serving kids in the community.
