DAVENPORT, Iowa — A Davenport nonprofit that provides afterschool and summer learning opportunities to children is growing after breaking ground on a new youth center.
In 2022, Project Renewal purchased the property at 513 Warren St., right across the street from the organization's current properties, to expand its programs. The original intent was simply to renovate the property but after uncovering significant structural issues, the decision was made to tear it down.
On Wednesday evening, the nonprofit hosted a ground blessing and laying of the foundation at the new site, jumpstarting construction on the new youth center.
"Because we've increased our partnerships in the community and programming opportunities for kids — both educational, the arts, STEM, physical fitness, dance, yoga — we outgrew our space," Ann Schwickerath, executive director at Project Renewal, said.
The new center is all part of the organization's broader expansion project, with a budget of around $1.8 million. The project consists of three phases:
- Acquiring the property at 513 Warren St., which is completed, and building a new youth center at the location
- Renovating the organization's "Treat House" at 510 Warren St.
- Renovating staff offices and housing at 906 W. Fifth St.
“For 49 years Project Renewal has been present in this neighborhood empowering children and families by acting as a loving presence and providing high-quality afterschool and summer programming for the students we serve," Alex Cahill, president of Project Renewal's Board of Directors, said in a press release. "The programs are free and dramatically impact the students as at Project Renewal, each student knows they have a safe, stable and loving environment to learn, have fun and simply be a kid.”
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