Renovation of former armory gets boost from local company, carpenters
Carpenters from Keystone Regional Carpenters Union install windows Friday at the former National Guard armory in Canonsburg, which is being converted into a youth center by Metro Pittsburgh Youth for Christ. The carpenters volunteered their time, and the windows were donated by Specified Systems Inc. of McMurray.
Carpenters from Specified Systems Inc. install windows Friday at the former National Guard armory in Canonsburg, which is being converted into a youth center by Metro Pittsburgh Youth for Christ.
Specified Systems Inc. of Canonsburg jumped at a window of opportunity to assist in the renovation of a youth center slated to open at the former National Guard armory in Canonsburg.
Literally.
The erecting distributor company donated and installed eight 6 1/2-foot-by-12 1/2-foot windows at the building, which is owned by Metro Pittsburgh Youth for Christ, at no cost to the youth center.
Specified Systems carpenters, who are members of the Keystone Regional Carpenters Union, volunteered their time, and suppliers Quaker Window Products of St. Louis, Mo., and W.A. Wilson of Wheeling, W.Va., discounted the cost of supplies to Specified for the project, which cost an estimated $18,000.
“We’re trying to inspire other companies to get involved and to see the value of this program,” said Bill Wilson, president of Specified Systems. “The youth center provides a safe haven for young people to be involved with positive activities and positive role models. The energy they’re putting into this is very positive.”
JR Gardner, who will serve as director of the youth center, said the building is tentatively scheduled to open in January, and he is thankful for the donations. Other companies that donated services are Hartman & Hartman Construction, which completed electrical work, and Nello Construction, which donated materials. Gardner said the youth center welcomes others to step forward to help with the renovation.
The Armory Youth Center will feature a newly renovated gymnasium with bleachers, a batting cage and basketball court. After the gymnasium is renovated, organizers plan to construct a fitness center, recreation room with pool and ping-pong tables, a kitchen, lounge and additional space for educational programs.
Youth for Christ believes after-school programs like the youth center will offer reduce teenagers’ use of drugs and alcohol and help improve school attendance.
In Canonsburg, 60 percent of families are single-parent households.
For information on the youth center, visit thearmoryyouthcenter.org.