Facility

In Spring 2007, Van Go completed a two-year, $1.5-million-dollar campaign to purchase, renovate and expand the facility it had been renting for the last eight years. With falling ceilings, unfinished warehouse space and sunlight shining through holes in the roof, the building at 715 New Jersey in Lawrence, Kansas, was in sore need of a creative overhaul!

The new facility, designed by Lawrence architect Dan Rockhill, will quadruple available workspace from 3,000 to 12,000 flexible square feet, and will feature a woodworking shop, computer lab and art-making spaces for disadvantaged Douglas County youth. The building also will include a new gallery for public sale of Van Go creations, as well as a full-service culinary kitchen. Even a “green building” focus will be incorporated during the construction process, being conducted by Dan Rockhill and Associates.

The renovations, scheduled for completion in late 2008, will allow Van Go to expand its programs and properly serve even more teens in need. The building also will be a new structural gem for the Lawrence community.

This amazing feat was made possible by contributions from many individuals, businesses and foundations. Van Go thanks all of them for their generosity and desire to enable life-changing opportunities for area youth.