Offering after-school recreation, seasonal camps, sports programs and instructional classes for over 2,000 school-aged children and teenagers, the youth activities program at Marine Corps Base Hawaii required one central facility to house its operations.

For a while the program operated out of several small buildings that were inadequate in size and condition to accommodate the program’s future growth. MASON identified the solution to this problem, and, in partnership with general contractor Nan, Inc., designed a nearly 22,000-square-foot youth center that centralized the program’s many activities and helped to improve the quality of life for youth and their families at MCBH.

The resulting facility was designed with the children’s best interests in mind, which was reflected in its playful ambiance, colorful finishes and unique durability features.

Project Details

• The design included plumbing and HVAC systems; an electrical transformer; power, lighting, data and communication systems; fire sprinklers; security cameras; and a fire alarm system. Other exterior amenities included a bus drop-of area, walkways, lanai, a grassy playfield, landscaping and lighting.
• Another project highlight was the gymnasium, which accommodated high school-sized basketball and volleyball courts with traditional wood flooring as well as bleachers, audio-visual equipment, play equipment, scoreboards and acoustical treatment. Large fire-rated windows visually united the gymnasium to the surrounding activity spaces.
• We’re proud of this meaningful community project, which achieved LEED Gold certification for features such as thermal insulation and high performance glazing, use of recycled construction materials, energy-efficient HVAC and more.