BLOG

Nestled in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, the Mill Street Youth Center, located at the intersection of Mill Street and Academy Avenue, is making significant progress toward opening its doors to local youth.

Since its groundbreaking ceremony in October, which marked the start of the first phase of the project, the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC) has made tremendous strides in renovating the gymnasium, repairing the foundation, and revamping the building’s interior.

Set to open in early May, the gymnasium has already seen substantial improvements, including HVAC, ADA compliance, new basketball hoops, a new scoreboard, and an updated fitness room with new equipment. With 40% of the gym complete, the NBYC is excited to continue its progress and open the gym doors this spring.

In just three months since the groundbreaking, the Mill Street Youth Center building is already 20% complete. The NBYC is currently focusing on foundation repair and stabilization, demolition, and asbestos removal. Following these improvements, the NBYC will begin working on HVAC replacements, ADA-compliant restrooms, a floor plan remodel, and a complete renovation of the bottom and first floors.

The Mill Street Youth Center is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Construction isn’t the only area where the NBYC has made progress. With the recent hire of Program Director Daniel O’Quinn, he and the Youth Advisory Council have been developing summer programs for the gymnasium. They are also planning a big summer bash event to kick off summer in early June.

Upon completion, the Youth Center will provide a safe environment for students in grades 6th through 12th, offering them the tools to grow, connect, and excel.

“The Mill Street Youth Center will fill a gap in our community by offering a wide range of high-quality programming during out-of-school hours,” said Executive Director Stacey Dicke. “This project preserves the history of the New Braunfels High School and ISD Education Center, while also providing a place for teens to thrive.

According to Dicke, the Youth Center will feature study rooms, a recording studio, an esports gaming area, a culinary kitchen, SAT prep, career development programs, tutoring, and several youth-focused programs.

As the project continues to progress, the NBYC is excited to breathe new life into the building, preserving the past while shaping a vibrant future for local youth.

For more information or to donate to the project, please visit www.thenbyc.com. Checks may also be sent to 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130.