Marshfield plans $7.6 million youth center at former J.C. Penney building

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By Erik Pfantz
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has announced the public portion of a $7.6 million capital campaign to establish a standalone youth center in summer 2027.

The club plans to purchase and renovate the 30,000-square-foot former J.C. Penney building attached to the Marshfield Towne Mall, 503 E. Ives St., Danielle Belsky, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of both Marshfield and Portage County, said in an April 15 press conference.

Over $4.7 million of the fundraising effort was raised to date from contributors including the Tom & Bonnie Umhoefer, Everett & Delores Roehl and Jon & Annette Vandehey families and also businesses such as Staab Construction and Nelson-Jameson Corp., according to an April 16 news release.

“This project represents a shared investment in Marshfield’s future,” Belsky said in the April 15 press conference. “It reflects the belief that when young people have a safe place to go, families are supported, schools are strengthened, and the entire community benefits.”

Marshfield established Boys & Girls Club branch in 2025

An initiative to establish a Marshfield branch of the Boys & Girls Club started when the organization began offering summer services in 2025 to over 90 young people at Grant Elementary School. It expanded to Lincoln Elementary School during the 2025-26 school year after raising over $1.1 million for two years of operational funds. The Lincoln Elementary School site serves 60-70 youth daily, Belsky said.

The new building is designed to serve up to 300 young people.

“Our mission is simple. We exist to provide youth with a safe and supportive place outside of school where they can learn, build confidence, develop life skills and realize their full potential,” Belsky said. “Across our region, clubs serve as a second home for young people during their critical after-school time hours.”

What do plans look like for the new youth center?

The $7.6 million capital investment will address multiple aspects of expanding the youth club in Marshfield, according to Belsky. The property is expected to be purchased at a cost of $1.75 million, renovated at a cost of $4 million, furnished for $500,000, outdoor work and landscaping completed for $150,000, and operated for two years with reserve funds of $1.2 million, according to Belsky.

Current building tenant, Kingdom Storage, leases the space from mall owner Malls4u LLC and plans to move out in upcoming months, Belsky told a Marshfield News-Herald reporter.

Approval will be sought to split the property parcel off from the current Marshfield Towne Mall parcel so the club will have full control over its building, Belsky said. The second floor of the building will be prepared for future use.

Renovations to the indoor storage unit space are expected to begin in late September or early October, Belsky said.

Plans for the new Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield center include classrooms and activity spaces to support students studying science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), sports and other active recreational activity areas, a kitchen and café area, a workforce readiness classroom, trades garage, and wellness and care spaces that include laundry and hygiene resources, Belsky said.

What is next for the fundraising campaign?

Contributing community members may take advantage of an ongoing $2 million donation matching donation, meaning any contributions will be doubled until a maximum of $2 million in matching funds are met, according to Belsky.

The Boys & Girls Club is planning a “Paint the Town Blue” event on May 14 to raise awareness of the organization and the community’s support for local youth, Belsky said. Local residents, businesses and other entities will be asked to wear or otherwise display the color blue for the day to visually represent support to observers who may not be aware of the work of the club.

More information can be found on the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield website and Facebook page.