The Ashland Youth Center is a $23 million project funded by the Alameda County Redevelopment Agency to provide recreational, educational, health care, and job training services to youth. The 31,500 sq. ft. facility is part of a larger complex that includes a multi-use gym with new track and field facilities and a public park.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the involvement of the Ashland youth in the design process.   Mallory Cusenbery a principal in the architectural firm  RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture, carefully crafted activities to engage the youth in learning architecture terminology and understanding design elements. Mallory took the time and care to really understand what the youth felt was needed in their community to allow youth to feel welcome, supported and included. Together they expressed their community vision through the final design. The Ashland youth made site visits to existing youth centers as well as construction sites to gain a deeper understanding of the building process.

In depth workshops were held with service providers to review design recommendations. They provided feedback to ensure that the functional spaces were designed for the appropriate service.

The Ashland Youth Center is scheduled to open December 2012.