A crucial piece of the new, all-encompassing campus expansion project, The Resource Center, opens its doors this week to those in need of a hot shower and cup of coffee. Nunn Construction, along with RTA Architects, celebrate the Phase 1 opening of the Resource Center this week at the Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs, CO. The Resource Center houses the Mission’s daytime activities including; client navigators, partner agencies, public showers, and a general gathering area with computers to be used for job searches, applications, and other life-improving activities.
Upon completing the year-round overnight shelter for the Springs Rescue Mission in November 2016, Nunn Construction continued progress across the courtyard with Phase 1 of the Resource Center. Upon completion of the Resource Center this summer, the facility will provide showers, a communal gathering space, laundry facilities and permanent office space for partner agencies.
The Mission has partnered with nine different service agencies that will use the permanent office space in the Resource Center to provide health, dental, workforce, human services among many others that the homeless currently walk, on average, five miles across town to obtain.
The 16 new showers are expected to improve overall health conditions at the nonprofit’s always-packed shelter. The new showers are separated with 8 men and 8 women; one shower on each side is ADA compliant. Showers will be scheduled and provided for a total of 4 hours each day.
RTA Architects completed a comprehensive master plan for the Springs Rescue Mission and Nunn Construction executed their design with dignity. Throughout the new facility, there are many elements of renewal or restoration. It was important for the shelter to have characteristics of new life using elements that are important to who they are as an organization. A beautiful wood trellis in the main entrance uses restored wood from both the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires. Those fires were pivotal moments when our community came together, and the shelter is a beacon of that hope. Another reclaimed element are the salvaged bowling alley wood countertops, finished by Nunn’s laborers, seen throughout the shelter.
Nunn Construction’s president, Tyson Nunn, stated, “Our team’s focus has been on the men and women in our community who need this shelter for survival. We are grateful to be a part of the effort to make this project a reality for our undeserved neighbors. It is very gratifying to build projects that matter to our community.”
The entire $13.8 million campus expansion is expected to be completed by fall 2018.
