Grove Hall Community Center

The future Boston Center for Youth and Families (BCYF) Community Center in the Grove Hall neighborhood of Dorchester will offer 42,000 square feet of intergenerational programming designed to support residents of all ages. It will serve as a hub for learning, wellness, and connection for teens, seniors, and families can gather, grow, and thrive.

The design emerged from a deep, iterative engagement process with Dorchester residents, including students, seniors, and local stakeholders. Through surveys, community meetings, and interactive workshops, the design team listened carefully to how the building could reflect the needs and aspirations of the neighborhood. 

The proposed the two-story facility will house a range of programs, including a natatorium, gymnasium with walking track, senior and teen centers, makerspace and tech lab, an art room, and a community kitchen. Educational and social spaces are positioned along Geneva Avenue to activate the street, while athletic programs are arranged to optimize building circulation and daylighting. Back-of-house spaces and staff parking are located off Oldfields Road, maintaining clear distinctions between public and service access. Planned site improvements reinforce the center’s civic presence: widened sidewalks, street trees, and a shaded plaza all support pedestrian comfort and environmental goals. 

The Grove Hall Community Center represents a thoughtful and community-driven investment in Dorchester’s future that prioritizes usability, equity, and a sense of belonging for all who walk through its doors.