On the corner of Fifth and Pierre streets stands the semi-completed Boys and Girls Club building surrounded by construction equipment.
    The club is expected to move into its new facility between Christmas and New Year's Eve, said Joyce Glasscock, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club.
    The club's original facility, located at 305 N. Fourth St., is still in use despite the June 1 demolition deadline because of delays in the South Redevelopment Project.
    Glasscock said the new facility will be a blessing despite first reactions to news that Manhattan had planned to purchase the property. The capacity will increase from 600 children to 1,000 annually.
    "It was a little scary at first," she said, "but we made this an opportunity to build a larger facility that would be more capable to serve the children."
    The original facility on Fourth Street is scheduled to be demolished as part of the downtown redevelopment. The club was compensated for the inconvenience with the location for the new facility. The land valued at $128,000 was sold to the club for $1.
    The financial goal to fund the project is $2.3 million. Several companies and many individuals have contributed to the cause already, amounting in $1.76 million in pledges.
    "We have been so pleased with the overwhelming support from the community," Glasscock said. "We couldn't have done it without a number of people stepping up in this effort."
    Steel and Pipe Supply Company was listed in the "Heroes" category of donors for giving more than $250,000. Much of the donation is in the form of building supplies given to the building contractor at cost. These savings are translated to the club.
    Connie Casper, vice president of sales for Steel and Pipe Supply, said Manhattan has a lack of youth programs, which is why the club was considered an asset to the company.
    "We feel like it's essential that we support our youth as well as before and after school programs."

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